Home

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Special Education Resources

Answers about your child's special education program

Disability Information

Information about your child's disability

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

PROPOSED CHANGES TO MARSE

MDE is proposing changes to MARSE. Public hearings and public comments taking place through October 16.
NEW COMMITTEE WANTS TO HEAR FROM PARENTS

State Board Special Education Committee wants to hear from students, parents, and others. Deadline to complete the SBOE form is October 16.

EMPOWERED PARENT IEP COURSE

Registration opens October 1 for 3 week Empowered Parent IEP Course. Limited spaces available.
RESOURCES

- Important resources from Michigan Department of Education: Family Matters Fact Sheets, Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education, and Michigan.gov Special Education.

Facebook Feed

Michigan Alliance for Families

1 hour ago

Wednesday October 7, is the Fall 2026 School Count Day for the state of Michigan. Count Day is when all public schools in Michigan tally the number of students attending their schools.School attendance is important every day, but attendance on Count Day determines school funding and state resources. Count information is critical to districts, because each student translates into state funding.The count days and school funding are mandated through the State School Aid Act.The count dates are first Wednesday in October and the second Wednesday in February. More info at www.michigan.gov/mde/-/media/Project/Websites/mde/OFM/State-Aid/Pupil-Accounting/Student-Count-Da... ...

Photo Linked to Article or Resource

View on Facebook (opens in a new tab)

Michigan Alliance for Families

5 hours ago

Students with disabilities have substantially higher chronic absenteeism rates than other students. A missed school day is a lost opportunity for students to learn. When a student’sdisability impacts their ability to attend school consistently, the student is at risk of not making progress in the general curriculum and not achieving their IEP goals and objectives.Students who are chronically absent are less likely to graduate and enter adulthood equipped with the skills needed to navigate responsibilities and opportunities.💡Find resources, guidance, and answers to frequently asked questions on our website www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/attendance/📞Connect with a Michigan Alliance for Families Parent Mentor to discuss specific concerns about your child or teen 1-800-552-4821 or info@michiganallianceforfamilies.org ...

Photo Linked to Article or Resource

View on Facebook (opens in a new tab)

Michigan Alliance for Families

1 day ago

📣Calling all teens and young adults with an IEP! And their families! Join us to learn about transition resources and find steps to take now to plan for the life you want as an adult.If you know a youth with a disability preparing for life after high school, this series in October is for you.Learn the basics of the transition process, explore community resources, consider employment expectations, or start planning for college.We welcome students, families, and community partners that support the transition from school to adulthood.🆕Saturday October 10 IEP Transition Planning for Adult LifeRegister at tinyurl.com/m66kry3y📍Thursday October 15 College Planning with an IEPRegister at tinyurl.com/mr5tne78 🆕Saturday October 17 Transition Pathways into Adult LifeRegister at tinyurl.com/4zu5m7rc 📍Wednesday October 21 Transition: Employment ExpectationsRegister at tinyurl.com/mj2am68p 📍Saturday October 24 Transition: Beyond IDEARegister at tinyurl.com/mw8ysh4t Visit our website for full details, more online learning opportunities, and easy registration www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/ ...

Photo Linked to Article or Resource

View on Facebook (opens in a new tab)

Michigan Alliance for Families

1 day ago

Parents of children with disabilities can advocate for change by sharing their knowledge and experience in policy-making decisions.Are you a parent of a young child looking to lend your voice, knowledge, and experience to committees that support young children with disabilities, but not sure where to start? Join Kelsey Biswanger and Stephanie Nicholls for a Building Parent Leadership Skills in Early Childhood series starting on Wednesday October 7 at noon. ✔️Develop your leadership style and skills✔️Learn about leadership opportunities✔️The importance of early childhood inclusion✔️Taking your involvement to the next level🗓️Four Wednesdays from 12PM-1PM. 🔗Register at tinyurl.com/BPLfall26Full details, easy registration, and more events at www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events ...

Photo Linked to Article or Resource

View on Facebook (opens in a new tab)

Michigan Alliance for Families

2 days ago

We are so proud to celebrate this year’s Leaders in Policy Advocacy (LIPA) graduates! We are grateful for each of you and your passion, courage, and commitment to disability advocacy. ❤️Over the past six months, these incredible leaders have grown their advocacy skills, shared their stories, connected with fellow self-advocates and families across the state, and learned how to make their voices heard in the places where decisions are made.These new leaders are now part of a growing network of LIPA graduates who have gone on to help create a better world for individuals with developmental disabilities through organizing, advocating, and systems change efforts.This amazing group marks our fourth cohort of Leaders in Policy Advocacy under Michigan Alliance for Families! 🔗Learn more about LIPA here: www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/lipa/ Applications for 2027 are expected to open in February. ...

Photo Linked to Article or Resource

View on Facebook (opens in a new tab)

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.