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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

5 hours ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
Everyone who attends the IEP is important and has a role. Including the student! Students with disabilities should be invited to attend and actively engage in their IEP Team meetings to share their strengths, preferences, interests, and areas where additional support may be needed. By age 16, the student becomes a required IEP Team member. Student participation in the IEP process is encouraged prior to age 16. To create a more meaningful transition plan, districts can include the student begin the transition planning process at 14 years of age, or even younger if appropriate for that individual student. View the guidance at www.michigan.gov/mde/-/media/Project/Websites/mde/specialeducation/iep/IEP-Roles_Responsibilities...A new guidance document from Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education gives an overview of the roles and responsibilities of the IEP Team participants. Meaningful participation by all IEP Team members, especially families, is important to ensure IEPs promote access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE).By deepening understanding of each participant’s role, this document supports equitable, student-centered decision-making and fosters strong partnerships, helping every student thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.The document is available here: www.michigan.gov/mde/-/media/Project/Websites/mde/specialeducation/iep/IEP-Roles_Responsibilities... ... See MoreSee Less

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Michigan Alliance for Families

1 day ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
Michigan Alliance for Families Parent Mentors Kris Moore and Kara Clarke shared their expertise as part of OPTIMISE Social Work Action Team. OPTIMISE is an initiative to attract, prepare, and retain an effective and diverse special education workforce to serve students with disabilities across the state.Follow OPTIMISE , a task force of the Michigan Legislature, to stay informed of their work.📍Kris Moore is our Parent Mentor in the Greater Saginaw and Thumb Regions. Kara Clarke is our mentor for Northwestern Wayne County. Connect with the Parent Mentor in your part of the state ➡️ www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/maf-offices/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Michigan Alliance for Families

1 day ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
🕤 March 10 at 9:30AMIEP: A Closer LookRegister at tinyurl.com/ztavbuh4 ... See MoreSee Less

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Michigan Alliance for Families

2 days ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
🆕Two new resources on virtual education from Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs.Virtual education means web-based learning designed to meet different student needs. For some, online learning is a perfect fit, for others it can be a challenge. If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), there are specific rights and responsibilities you should know to ensure they receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).Choosing a virtual path doesn't mean leaving your child's support behind. WIth a virtual school, your child’s IEP travels with them. Whether it is a virtual charter school or a program run by your local district, the school must provide the services and accommodations listed in the IEP.📄Successfully Navigating Virtual Education for Students with IEPsNew manual from Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education can helps you consider service delivery, choosing and providing accommodations, the importance of progress monitoring, and Least Restrictive Environment to help you ensure their specific needs are met in the virtual environment. View it at www.michigan.gov/mde/-/media/Project/Websites/mde/specialeducation/iep/NavigatingVirtualEducation...❓Frequently Asked Questions: Successfully Navigating Virtual Education for a Student with a DisabilityThis companion document answers Frequently Asked Questions about virtual education for students with disabilities. View it at www.michigan.gov/mde/-/media/Project/Websites/mde/specialeducation/iep/FAQ-NavigatingVirtualEduca...💻More on virtual education on out website at www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/virtual-schools/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Michigan Alliance for Families

2 days ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
March 9 at 9:30AM.How to Prepare for and Participate in Mediation or Facilitation with SEMS. Register at tinyurl.com/44f2nsv2If you’re struggling with tough special education meetings, Special Education Mediation Services can provide communication services and lay the foundation for student success.Our friends at SEMS are back on March 9 at 9:30AM to help parents learn How to Prepare for and Participate in Mediation or Facilitation. Many disputes can be addressed early with better communication, which can lead to better outcomes. Register at tinyurl.com/44f2nsv2 See our full lineup of webinars at 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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