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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


  • 24/25 CALENDAR RELEASED

    Check out our calendar of events for 2024/2025 schoolyear. Register to join these free online learning opportunities.
  • LRE MONITORING 

    A new LRE Monitoring Process rolls out this year to 9 ISDs and DHSS, and will include a Parent Focus Group in partnership with the Parent Advisory Committee.

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Many disputes can be addressed early with better communication, which can lead to better outcomes. Special Education Mediation Services joins us on Wednesday, October 30 to share How to Prepare for and Participate in Mediation or Facilitation.Register at tinyurl.com/3wuet8c7 See our full calendar at www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/ ... See MoreSee Less
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Each year Disability Rights Michigan seeks feedback regarding issues that affect the lives of people with disabilities in Michigan. This feedback guides their work to provide advocacy services that enable people with disabilities to live independent and productive lives. Survey closes October 31.Each year we seek your feedback regarding issues that affect the lives of people with disabilities in Michigan.This process helps us reevaluate our priorities and adjust them as needed. Your feedback guides our work as we design advocacy services that enable people with disabilities to live independent and productive lives. This link will stay active for 30 days.You can also mail or fax the survey.FAX: (517) 487- 0827MAIL: Disability Rights Michigan 4095 Legacy PkwyLansing, MI 48911Survey Link: www.surveymonkey.com/r/FocusAreasFY25 ... See MoreSee Less
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October is National Disability Employment Awareness month. Employment for people with disabilities is possible, and worthwhile!Transition planning is a process to assist students with an Individualized Education Program move from school to post-school activities, including further education and employment.Register at tinyurl.com/mwvxhsmn to join us for Employment Expectations on Wednesday, November 13.◾ Overcoming barriers to employment◾ Creating a vision plan for adult life◾ Accessing vocational rehabilitation services◾ Getting (and keeping) the first jobYou can see full details and find more learning opportunities on our website calendar at www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/ ... See MoreSee Less
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You are invited to register for two exciting learning opportunities coming up on Thursday, November 7, 2024.🕤FAPE in the LRE at 9:30am, register at tinyurl.com/4vzmfrwjSchools must place students in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). That means students must be placed in the general education setting to the greatest extent appropriate and receive supports and services as determined by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team to ensure the student receives FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education). "FAPE in the LRE" examines these two concepts and how they apply to your child.🆕 The Power of Connection: Peers at 6:30pm, register at tinyurl.com/3zskahhdInclusion 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. For full details, easy registration, and more learning opportunities, visit our website www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/ ... See MoreSee Less
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October is National Disability Employment Awareness month. Check out this new resource from our friends @ PACER CenterSelf-employment offers a unique and flexible career path for young adults with disabilities. www.pacer.org/parent/php/PHP-a76.pdfSelf-employment offers a unique and flexible career path for young adults with disabilities. It can help them overcome employment barriers, build on their existing interests, and achieve financial independence. Learn more from PACER's new resource www.pacer.org/parent/php/PHP-a76.pdf#PACERCenter #Selfemployment ... 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.