Living With A Disability - Daniel Phelan

Note: This is an old interview so the interviewee has either gotten older, married, name or career change, and has children.

Daniel Phelan: Type 1 Action is an educational and advocacy organization with the main goal of helping people with Type 1 Diabetes fight discrimination.

UM: Are you or someone you know diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes?

Daniel Phelan: Yes, I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in the Summer of 2002 at

thirteen years old. My understanding and passion is what drove me to open my Law Firm.

UM: For those that may not know what is Type 1 Diabetes?

Daniel Phelan: Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition where a person's pancreas produces little to no insulin.

UM: Tell me more about your work and the mission of Type 1 Action?

Daniel Phelan: Type 1 Action's mission is to help people fight Type 1 diabetes discrimination. I began a law firm in New York to focus on this and civil rights law. Most of my clients right now are kids who have Type 1 diabetes and have trouble getting the accommodations they need from their schools like having snacks in class and other things. There is this particular case I am working on now where my client had a diabetes episode where his sugars reached extremely high levels and he was sick for weeks causing him to miss a substantial amount of school. Despite letters and calls from his mother, family, and doctors making the school aware of this. The administrators decided to hold a hearing without anyone there to speak for or represent the student and determine all his absences were an act of truancy. This is unfair and unjust because the school completely disregarded that the child's parents did exactly what they needed to make the school aware.

UM: How many additional cases to the one mentioned have you worked on? How was the outcome?

Daniel Phalen: I have represented six cases so far, and I have successfully helped each one win their case.

UM: Thank you, for sitting and talking with me. Is there anything else you would like to share? Perhaps how you can be contacted, or ways to donate??

Daniel Phelan: Thank you, no not really I just wanted to bring awareness to the struggles of being young and living with Type 1 Diabetes. As well, as shed light on this case.

So, that's it everyone please check out Daniel Phelan and learn about his foundation at www.type1action.org. Also, if you want please donate all donations go to Type 1 Diabetes research.