Home

  • Little girl drawing

    Michigan Alliance for Families:

    Your free guide to special education.

    Michigan Alliance for Families provides information, support, and education for families who have children and young adults (birth to 26 years of age) who receive (or may be eligible to receive) special education services. This website can help you with finding information on special education issues as well as disability specific information.

Question mark iconLight bulb iconSpeech bubble iconCalendar icon

Special Education Resources

Answers about your child's special education program

Disability Information

Information about your child's disability

Support

Hear from one of our Parent Mentors

Upcoming Events

Find an online workshop or view a recording

Need help navigating the special education system? Talk to a parent who's been there.

Connect directly with one of our local parent mentors to address your family's needs. Their perspective can not only help you navigate the system, but they can also help you be more involved in your child's education. All Michigan families are able to access an extensive collection of electronic or printed resources, informational support and referrals to local community resources. To get in touch with a Michigan Alliance for Families staff member, Contact Us.

 


News & Updates


Facebook Feed

Some districts have returned to school, while others don't go back till after Labor Day. Either way, now is a great time to think about creating a Student Snapshot.A Student Snapshot is a tool to introduce your child/youth to school staff that provides a lot of important information quickly and concisely. When you include your child/youth in creating a Snapshot, they get to observe you modeling advocacy skills. At first, they might only contribute to sharing their likes and current interests. As time goes on, they can contribute more and develop their own self-advocacy skills.Find Return to School resources for making your own Student Snapshot on our website.www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Picture-This-Student-Snapshot-Hand...www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/rts-2025/ ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2025 Return to School webinars. These presentations share valuable information and good ideas for parents with children who are heading back to school with an IEP.If you missed one, access the recordings via this playlist on our YouTube channel. youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0ee8m5Q2n7AqFFg45R01ANHMzRDxWj3c&si=wTGwb0wlDEqp-fzX Access the handouts and resources here www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/rts-2025/ ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Our 2025 Return to School webinars on Wednesdays have concluded. If you missed one, you can access the recordings on our YouTube channel.But the opportunities to learn on Wednesdays at noon continue into September!📅Wednesday August 27 Food Allergies at School. Register at tinyurl.com/bdfb5u78 📅Wednesday September 10 Know Your Rights: Procedural Safeguards. Register at tinyurl.com/yjxvzhzu 📅Wednesday September 17 Serving on Special Education Committees. Register at tinyurl.com/53usre34 📅Wednesday September 24 Special Education Evaluation and Eligibility. Register at tinyurl.com/mrx384yc Full details and easy register on our website www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/ ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Michigan Alliance for Families staff participate in outreach events across the state to connect with parents, families, and youth who interact with the special education system.We assist families of students with disabilities to:💡know their rights🗣️effectively communicate their child's needs🤝facilitate family involvement to improve educational outcomesPlanning a back-to-school event or resource fair? Connect with and invite the Parent Mentor in your part of the state ➡️ www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/maf-offices/#michiganallianceforfamilies ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook

IDEAs that Work

Funding Statement

Michigan Alliance for Families is a Michigan Department of Education IDEA Grant Funded Initiative. Michigan Alliance for Families is our state's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center. The contents of this website were developed under a grant from the US Department of Education, H328M200015. However, those contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the US Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. Project Officer, Anna Macedonia.