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    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.

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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

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Michigan Alliance for Families

8 hours ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
The Leaders in Policy Advocacy (LIPA) 2026 program is accepting applications until February 28! LIPA is a six-month leadership program for adults with developmental disabilities and parents of minor children with developmental disabilities who want to better understand how systems work, learn how to influence change, and strengthen their advocacy skills. LIPA helps participants move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling prepared and informed. Through hands-on learning, participants gain practical skills to understand policy, navigate systems, engage with decision-makers, and share their lived experiences clearly and effectively. As well as building a supportive community where participants learn alongside others who care about belonging, access, and making real change together. 💻Full details at www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/lipa/🔗Apply at tinyurl.com/2026LIPAApplications for this year’s program will be accepted February 1–28, 2026, with accepted participants being notified in early March. ... See MoreSee Less

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Michigan Alliance for Families

21 hours ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
Section 504 @ School: What Parents Need to KnowFebruary 24 @ noonRegister at tinyurl.com/46ybf6c7 Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a civil rights statute that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Students are protected in their access to academics, social engagement, extracurriculars, sports, events, and other school-sponsored activities. Students who might not qualify for an IEP may be covered by Section 504.Find answers to questions like:❓ How do I get a 504 Plan?❓ What is the difference between a 504 Plan and an IEP?❓ What could supports and services look like?❓ What are my rights?Find more online learning opportunities on our website calendar www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Michigan Alliance for Families

1 day ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
If you are wondering "what should early childhood special education (preschool) look like for my child?", we’ve added a new video to our library we think you’ll find helpful! Tune in to learn about preschool options for children with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and how special education and related services works for little learners.Available on our YouTube channel now at youtu.be/aBLCMlkRkFkRemember, if you have additional questions, you can always reach out to the Parent Mentor in your area at 800-552-4821. Happy viewing! ... See MoreSee Less

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Michigan Alliance for Families

2 days ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
We are inviting parents, middle schoolers, high schoolers, and young adults to learn more about these free resources to plan for a good life after high school. This Wednesday, February 18th Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council joins us for Planning for a Good Life Using the LifeCourse Tools. These are practical tools that support individuals with disabilities throughout all stages of life. If you're looking for a starting point for a conversation or how to start thinking about planning, these are the tools for you. Register at tinyurl.com/yc7x9paaSee our full calendar at: www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Michigan Alliance for Families

2 days ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
Michigan Alliance for Families ensures you get the same accurate, consistent, easy-to-understand information all across Michigan. Group learning is one way we share information.Check out our upcoming learning opportunities at www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/#maf20years ... See MoreSee Less

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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.

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