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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

  • IEP ATTENDANCE 

    Everyone who attends the IEP is important and has a role. This IEP roles guidance supports equitable, student-centered decision-making and fosters strong partnerships, helping every student thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

  • NEWSLETTER NOTIFICATIONS

    Keep in touch with Michigan Alliance for Families! Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter and event notifications for updates delivered to your inbox. 

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Michigan Alliance for Families

1 day ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
Free Appropriate Public Education is foundational in IDEA. Every child who is eligible for special education has a right to FAPE in the Least Restrictive Environment. Schools provide FAPE through the programs and services agreed upon in the IEP. FAPE must meet the student’s unique needs and provide educational benefit.The purpose of special education is to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a FAPE that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.Free — Special education and related services provided by public schools at no cost to parentsAppropriate — An education that meets the child’s education and disability-related needs through an IEPPublic — A right to receive an education provided by the public school system, including public charters schoolsEducation — An education that prepares all children for their future including postsecondary education, employment, and independent livingEvery child who is eligible for special education has a right to a Free Appropriate Public Education.Parents need to understand the important words that impact their child's special education services. Follow this page as we help decode this alphabet soup.Learn more about FAPE and other special education matters on our website www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/FAPE ... See MoreSee Less

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Michigan Alliance for Families

2 days ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
The start of summer break is a good time to pause and think about the past school year. What went well? What was challenging? And what did we learn can help for next year? ... See MoreSee Less

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Michigan Alliance for Families

4 days ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
👋🏾Hello! Michigan Alliance for Families can help families who have questions about special education. Connect directly with one of our local parent mentors to address your family's needs. Their perspective can help you navigate the special education system.If you see one of our billboards this summer, we'd love for you to share a photo with us!📸Email info@michiganallianceforfamilies.org or DM 💬 ... 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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