Sotomayor Enjoys Wide Support from Disability Groups

US-- Disability Scoop reports that more than 24 disability rights and advocacy groups such as the American Association of People with Disabilities, the Autism Society of America, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, the National Council on Independent Living, and others have asked the US Senate to support Sonia Sotomayor’s Supreme Court appointment.

Sonia Sotomayor has adjudicated cases involving the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Social Security, and Medicaid while serving on the U.S. Court of Appeals. Robert Bernstein, executive director of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, says “Judge Sotomayor has repeatedly demonstrated a thorough understanding and a deep respect for the laws that protect the rights of Americans with physical and mental disabilities…”

SOURCE:
Disability Groups Unite Behind Sotomayor Confirmation
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/07/08/sotomayor-support/4039/

First Disability Inaugural Ball

National Disability Advocacy Group gathered in Washington DC on January 18th for the first Disability Power and Pride Inaugural Ball. The black-tie event celebrated President Barack Obama’s commitment to the disability community, and honored community members whose work has been influential in disability legislation and policy. The event’s spokesperson, Karen Lee says, “Obama has taken up their (people with disabilities) cause”, while Andrew Imparato, head of the American Association of People with Disabilities says, “Obama see us as part of the political landscape”. Hopes are high, and the party is on!

SOURCES
Balls for a Cause, Dresses for Less http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gBRuxctWyhmUQ1XhYtWGjXFQw3aA
Disability Community Holds First Ever Inaugural Ball http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=ind_focus.story&STORY=/www/story/01-15-2009/0004955271&EDATE=
RELATED
Videos from the Ball, from Talk Radio News:
1. http://talkradionews.com/2009/01/author-of-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-appears-at-disability-pride-ball/
2. http://talkradionews.com/2009/01/disability-activists-host-inaugural-ball/http://talkradionews.com/2009/01/disability-activists-host-inaugural-ball/

Lawsuit for Dorm Rights in Michigan

MICHIGAN, The Detroit News—

The Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service is suing Oakland University on behalf of Micah Fialka-Feldman, a 24 year old with mild cognitive impairment. Fialka-Feldman attends courses and participates in campus life through the special program, but is not a student officially admitted to the University. The Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service says Oakland University should permit him to reside in the dorms as a reasonable accommodation, and is in violation of the federal Fair Housing Act and Rehabilitation Act by not doing so.

According to the Detroit News, the program Fialka-Feldman attends “… was designed for college-age students with cognitive disabilities who couldn't be admitted to Oakland under the regular admissions standards”. Through the three-year program, participating individual develop social, vocational and independent living skills.

SOURCES:

Disability Advocacy Group Sues Oakland University Over Student Dorm Issue

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081128/METRO02/811280401

Oakland U Sued in Dorm Case

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081129/SCHOOLS/811290380

RELATED:

The documentary and website, “Through the Same Door” chronicles Fialka-Feldman’s search for inclusive housing.

http://www.throughthesamedoor.com/

Disability Nation’s article, “Battle for Inclusion” includes an interview with Fialka-Feldman and his family as well at YouTube clips:

http://www.disabilitynation.net/blog/battle-inclusion-michigan