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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

9 hours ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
🕛February 4 at 12PMSpecial Education State Complaints with Michelle DriscollRegister at tinyurl.com/42tcjk4s ... See MoreSee Less

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Michigan Alliance for Families

1 day ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
Teens, young adults, and their families are invited to join us for two Saturday morning webinars in February!Middle and high school students with an IEP (and their family) are invited to join us for a series of online workshops to explore transition to adulthood topics.❄️ Saturday February 7 - Transition: What You Need to Know with Karen WangLearn how to use the IEP transition plan along with community resources to plan a smooth transition from school to adulthood. Register at tinyurl.com/3fjdktr9 ❄️ Wednesday February 18 - Planning for a Good Life Using Charting the LifeCourse Tools with Michigan Developmental Disabilities CouncilExplore practical tools to promote a person-centered approach that empowers individuals to pursue their vision for a good life. Register at tinyurl.com/yc7x9paa❄️Saturday February 21- Transition Beyond IDEA with Karen WangAn overview of community resources to assist with the transition from school to adult life. Register at tinyurl.com/ycxbhar5 Visit our website calendar for full details, share-able flyers, and easy registration www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Michigan Alliance for Families

2 days ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
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?Section 504 @ School: What Parents Need to KnowFebruary 24 @ noonRegister at tinyurl.com/46ybf6c7 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

2 days ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
If there is a disagreement regarding the education of students with disabilities, there are several dispute resolution options available.Join us on Wednesday February 4 at noon to learn when and why a parent might want to file a special education state complaint, how the process works, and what other dispute resolution options are available. Register at tinyurl.com/42tcjk4sContinue learning about dispute resolution options on Wednesday February 11 at noon with a webinar on Due Process Complaint and Hearing. Register at tinyurl.com/39uz3phy For full details, easy registration, and more events at www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Michigan Alliance for Families

3 days ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
Our February calendar is full of online learning opportunities. Come join us!February 1-28 Applications accepted for LIPA (Leaders in Policy Advocacy). Information at www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/lipa/ February 4 Special Education State Complaints with Michelle Driscoll from 12:00pm–1:30pm. Register at tinyurl.com/42tcjk4s February 5 Early Intervention and IFSPs: A Closer Look with Kelsey Biswanger from 9:30am–11:00am. Register at tinyurl.com/375udkpu February 5 How to Build Trusting Relationships with SEMS from 4:30pm–6:30pm. Register at tinyurl.com/69ym54n5 February 7 Transition: What You Need to Know with Karen Wang from 9:30am–11:30am. Register at tinyurl.com/3fjdktr9 February 9 IEP: A Closer Look with Stephanie Nicholls at 12:00pm–1:30pm. Register at tinyurl.com/4b6emncr February 10 Understanding Personal Curriculum and Graduation with Rashell Bowerman, Michigan Department of Education from 12:00pm–2:00pm. Register at tinyurl.com/bdz9xma5 February 11 Due Process Complaint and Hearing with Michelle Driscoll from 12:00pm–1:30pm. Register at tinyurl.com/39uz3phy February 12 Navigating Early Childhood Special Education- Preschool with Kelsey Biswanger from 9:30am–10:30am. Register at tinyurl.com/yck567e8 February 12 Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports with Stephanie Nicholls from 12:00pm–1:30pm. Register at tinyurl.com/bdxjkf6f February 18 Planning for a Good Life Using Charting the LifeCourse Tools with Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council from 4:30pm-6:00pm. Register at tinyurl.com/yc7x9paaFebruary 19 From Puzzled to Prepared: Present Level for Preschool with Kelsey Biswanger from 9:30am–10:30am. Register at tinyurl.com/26yk9mxp February 20 Intro to AAC & Resources with Michigan Disability Right Coalition from 12:00pm–1:30pm. Register at tinyurl.com/38mhr6vr February 21 Transition: Beyond IDEA with Karen Wang from 9:30am–11:30am. Register at tinyurl.com/ycxbhar5 February 24 Section 504 @ School What Parents Need to Know with Michelle Driscoll & Stephanie Nicholls from 12:00pm–1:00pm. Register at tinyurl.com/46ybf6c7 February 25 Supporting AAC @ Home with Alt+Shift from 12:00pm–1:00pm. Register at tinyurl.com/yz2xwxp7 February 26 Building Parent Leadership Skills in Early Childhood with Kelsey Biswanger and Stephanie Nicholls. Four Thursdays from 9:30am–10:30am. Register at tinyurl.com/BPLspring2026 Visit our calendar of events for full details, easy registration, and events through the end of the school year! 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, Anna Macedonia.

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