Registration for the 2011 statewide conference is now open!    Register today to ensure your spot!

HOW MICAH GREW HIS BEARD AND OTHER FAMILY STORIES OF GROWTH

Nearly two decades ago, Janice and Rich learned their son, Micah had a cognitive disability. They were
stunned, scared, and felt isolated…but the story doesn’t end there. Like many families, they learned how to
navigate through their fears and uncertainties. They learned how to “break the silence” by reaching out to their
family, friends, professionals, and the larger community. They learned the importance of listening, laughing,
advocating, having great expectations, and embracing the idea of disability pride!

Each member of the Fialka Feldman Family – Janice, Rich, Micah and his sister Emma – will share their unique
personal experiences with honesty, humility, and humor! You will learn how Micah grew his beard, as well as
other stories of their family’s growth. More importantly the audience will leave with a renewed sense of hope
and possibility.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FIALKA FELDMAN’S, VISIT: WWW.THROUGHTHESAMEDOOR.COM AND WWW.DANCEOFPARTNERSHIP.COM

Janice Fialka, MSW,ACSW
In addition to being Micah and Emma’s mom,
Janice Fialka is a nationally renowned trainer, presenter,
and advocate on inclusive education, secondary
transition, sibling issues and ways to strengthen the
parent-professional partnership. Janis is the author of
three books and recipient of the 2007 Social Worker of
the Year from the National Association of Social
Workers. She always provides the words of
encouragement at just the right time.

Rich Feldman
Micah’s dad, Rich Feldman, is a community-labor
activist and writer. He is a board member of the James
and Grace Lee Boggs Center to Nurture Community
Leadership and Detroit City of Hope and enjoys talking
with parent groups about disability, justice, pride and
inclusion.

Presented by the Fialka Feldman Family

Micah Fialka Feldman
Micah is a proud person with a disability and
one of the foremost leaders of the movement of youth
with disabilities. Served on the Board of KASA, NYLN,
TASH, to name a few. Micah is a product of and
proponent for inclusion and inclusive post secondary
experiences. Micah was selected as one of CNN’s most
intriguing people for 2009, has been featured on NPR,
and won a Diana Vietz Award from the National Center
for Independent Living (NCIL) for his commitment to
improving the lives of young people with disabilities.
Knows more about politics than anyone else I know and
how to get down to the heart of a matter.

Emma Fialka Feldman
Emma is a student at Mount Holyoke College who
writes and speaks on topics including sibling issues, the
“R-Word”, and inclusive education. She also has written
other letters and articles about her experience. Emma
received the Mount Holyoke Leadership Award in 2010
for her work in creating space to discuss ability and
disability issues.

FRIDAY’S KEYNOTE SPEAKERS: JANICE FIALKA AND MICAH FIALKA-FELDMAN
Janice is a nationally recognized author, lecturer and trainer. Join us as she talks to us about “The Dance of Partnership: Why Do My Feet Hurt”. Janice will be joined by her son Micah, who is a student, national speaker and pioneer who fights for disability-pride, justice and inclusion. He is part of the first wave of adults with intellectual disabilities attending college and has been fully included in school and community. He will talk to us about “Thinking Outside the Box” as well as the things he has accomplished.

SATURDAY’S BREAKOUT SESSIONS WILL INCLUDE PRESENTATIONS ON THE FOLLOWING TOPICS:
Behavior Management
Understanding Health Care Reform
Emotional Coaching
Services for Adults with Disabilities
ADHD
Autism
Legislative Involvement
Faith and Disabilities
Learning Disabilities
Individualized Education Programs
Mental Health
Inclusion and Awareness
Sensory Integration
and MORE!

IN AN EFFORT TO SAVE MONEY AND PAPER, REGISTRATION WILL BE DONE ONLINE THIS YEAR.