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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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Are you passionate about making a real impact in the disability community? Do you want to learn how to advocate for change at the local, state, and federal levels? Then the Leaders in Policy Advocacy (LIPA) training is for YOU! 💪🏽✨Through our LIPA program, you'll gain invaluable skills and hands-on experience, including the chance to tour the Michigan State Capitol and explore the inner workings of our state government. 🏛️ But it’s more than just a tour—LIPA equips you to become a powerful legislative and policy advocate who can push for real systems change in the areas of social justice and disability advocacy. 🌍💥Change happens when individuals and communities are empowered to influence the decisions that impact their lives. Systems change means not just fixing problems on the surface but shifting the structures and policies that create barriers in the first place. 🌱 Whether it’s advocating for equitable healthcare, better access to inclusive education, or improved disability services, LIPA helps you understand how to navigate complex systems and create lasting impact.More information on LIPA can be found at: Tinyurl.com/MAFLIPAApply here: Tinyurl.com/2025LIPA. Applications will be accepted until February 28, 2025! ... See MoreSee Less
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Parents are their child’s first and best advocate. You are an expert on your child and it’s important that your voice is heard. Parents have the right to bring questions, concerns, and ideas to the IEP team meeting. As a parent, this is your chance to make sure all of your child's needs are considered.Join Michigan Alliance for Families on Monday, March 3 for a new webinar with Stephanie Nicholls, Crafting Your Parent Input Statement. Explore how to craft your an effective parent input statement.Register at tinyurl.com/2p9662e3Full details, more learning opportunities on our website calendar www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/ ... See MoreSee Less
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Michigan Alliance for Families is accepting applications to attend our first-ever Youth Summit. Spots are limited. Register by March 28. There is no cost to participate, young adult will receive a stipend. Please apply only if you are able to attend May 2 & 3. Selected participants will be informed in April. To learn more and apply, visit tinyurl.com/youthsummit2025 or follow the QR code.This empowering event is designed for parent and young adult pairs to come together, connect, and collaborate on building a brighter, more inclusive future.This two-day in-person conference will be held in Livonia Michigan. Overnight lodging, meals, and activities will be provided to each youth and their parent. Separate learning sessions for parents and youth during the day.🌟 Embracing identity, empowerment, and inclusion for young adults with disabilities!📢 Exciting News! Michigan Alliance for Families Youth SummitMichigan Alliance for Families is thrilled to announce our first-ever Youth Summit, happening this May! This empowering event is designed for parent and young adult pairs to come together, connect, and collaborate on building a brighter, more inclusive future.This two-day in-person conference will be held in Livonia Michigan. Overnight lodging, meals, and activities will be provided to each youth and their parent. Separate learning sessions for parents and youth during the day🌟 Embracing identity, empowerment, and inclusion for young adults with disabilities!Young Adult Sessions: Led by inspiring young adults, focusing on self-advocacy and creating the life you want.Parent Sessions: Explore strategies for supporting your young adult’s transition to adulthood, gain tools for planning the future, and discover resources for life after public education.This is a unique opportunity to grow, learn, and share with others in a supportive and inclusive environment.We are accepting applications to attend through March 28. Spots are limited. There is no cost to participate. Please apply only if you are able to attend May 2 & 3. Selected participants will be informed in April. ... See MoreSee Less
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Inclusion goes beyond just placing a child with an IEP in the same classroom. It’s not just about physical presence but also engagement. A powerful aspect of inclusion is the potential for meaningful peer connections.When children with disabilities have the chance to interact with their peers in positive, supported ways, they build friendships, develop social skills, and learn from each other. "The Power of Connection: Peers" explores ways to overcome barriers to friendship, foster empathy and understanding, benefiting all students involved.Monday, February 10 at 9:30amRegister at tinyurl.com/4spvtbd6This webinar is also offered on May 6 at 12:00pm. Register at tinyurl.com/345tzu67For full details, easy registration, and more learning opportunities, visit our website www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/ ... 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, David Emenheiser.