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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

2 hours ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
Section 504 is not special education law, but a different act that offers different protections for students with disabilities. 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 a Section 504 Plan. If you have 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?Register to join us on October 29 at 1PM tinyurl.com/2tmc5p84Can't make it this month? This presentation is offered again on December 9 at 10AM tinyurl.com/24z4smpm and February 4 at 5PM tinyurl.com/mz4ahttr See our website calendar for full details, easy registration, and more learning opportunities. www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/ ...

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Michigan Alliance for Families

15 hours ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
Say hello to one of our Parent Mentors in Wayne County - Kara Clarke! Kara's previous leadership roles with the Wayne County and Livonia Parent Advisory Committees strengthened her ability to build strong relationships between families and educators. These experiences taught her the importance of active listening, thoughtful communication, and fostering trust with families navigating special education. Kara is resourceful, dependable, optimistic, and brings positive energy and a great sense of humor to our organization. She helps families feel heard and understanding they are not alone.Throughout the year, get to know our team members who use their lived experience navigating special education to support families across Michigan every #maf20yearsyears ...

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Michigan Alliance for Families

1 day ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
REGISTRATION OPEN!🔗 Parents whose children receive special education services are invited to register for the Empowered Parent IEP Course at tinyurl.com/IEPfall2026 Empowered Parent IEP Course, three Tuesdays at 11:30am starting November 3. Registrations accepted 10/1 - 10/19 (or when full)This IEP Course provides action steps to apply the information to your own child’s IEP. Together, we’ll learn how to:✔️Speak up confidently in your child’s IEP meetings✔️Understand your rights and the IEP process✔️Collaborate effectively with the school team✔️Address concerns in a productive, positive wayVisit our website calendar for additional webinar topics. www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/ ...

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Michigan Alliance for Families

2 days ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
Assistive Technology (AT) enables people with disabilities to participate more fully in all aspects of their lives – at home, at school, and in their community. Parents play an important role when it comes to finding possible assistive technology solutions.Join us for a family-friendly session designed to demystify assistive technology. @altshifteducation joins us to explore what AT is, share examples across a range of tools, from no-tech strategies to high-tech devices, and discuss how AT supports learning and participation across all ages and stages.This webinar will discuss AT in the Individualized Education Program:- Help you understand what assistive technology is and how it can be used in everyday life- Provide examples of tools and strategies for children of different ages, from no-tech to high-tech- Share free and low-cost AT resources available to Michigan families through schools, lending libraries, and statewide programsAT: What It Is and Why It MattersOctober 22 @ 12PM tinyurl.com/nc44tr92January 12 @10AM tinyurl.com/bdm2xy95 April 5 @ 6:30PM tinyurl.com/2eu6ta6s Full details and complete list of upcoming webinars: www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/ ...

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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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