Janice Fialka is a brilliant writer. Micah Fialka-Feldman is her son. He is a teaching assistant at Syracuse University and one of the most charming people you will ever encounter. This remarkable story, draws on the reflections from family and friends – and walks us through the journey to this remarkable current reality. But the story begins as a stunning disability story except that this family said no. They decided that Micah wold be fully included and have a full life. And does he ever. Remarkably, Janice, Rich, Micah and Emma do not hold back. They have the courage to tell the story warts and all… which is why it is a must read for every family, every teacher – every person who cares about another person. And stay tuned – because the movie is coming: Dan Habib is shooting it now, so read on and then order the movie.
Janice Fialka, LMSW, ACSW is a nationally-recognized lecturer, author, and advocate on issues related to disability, parent-professional partnerships, inclusion, raising a child with disabilities, sibling issues, and post-secondary education. She is also a parent, poet, a compelling storyteller, and an award-winning advocate for families and persons with disabilities.
A sought-after presenter, Janice has provided the keynote address and workshops at numerous renowned national, state, and local conferences throughout the United States and Canada. Janice also conducts workshops for schools, human service organizations, and parent and advocacy groups.
Twenty years ago, Janice established herself as a major contributor to the national conversation about parent-professional partnerships through her highly-regarded writings, keynote, and workshops titled, The Dance of Partnership: Why do my feet hurt? She reflects with sensitivity, humor, and compassion on the challenges facing parents and professionals as they seek to build successful working relationships on behalf of children with disabilities. Janice speaks and writes from both her unique vantage point as the mother of Micah, her adult son with an intellectual disability and as an experienced social worker of 40 years. Her writings are published widely in textbooks, journals, and family and professional publications. Janice’s trainings and writings are empowering, deeply engaging, and always practical.
Learn more about her son, Micah Fialka Feldman, a disability activist and speaker. Micah was recently appointed to the Presidential Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. Micah is featured in a forthcoming documentary by the award-winning filmmaker, Dan Habib (creator of Including Samuel). Watch the 14 minute trailer of Intelligent Lives (working title) which explores how some people with intellectual disabilities are blazing a bold new path.
