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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


  • UPDATES AND EVENTS

    Know someone who might be interested in receiving our e-newsletter and event notifications? Share this link: https://tiny.one/MAFNews. 

  • NEW VIDEO

    Students with disabilities have options when it comes to post-secondary education! Check out our latest video College Planning with an IEP .

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Superstitious about your next IEP meeting? Join Michigan Alliance for Families on Friday November 13 at 10AM for IEP: A Closer Look. This online workshop for parents and caregivers takes a deeper dive into the key parts of the Individualized Education Program.Get a better understanding of their IEP by taking a closer look at the core areas and how they build on each other. Learn to use the IEP process to address your concerns. If you can't join us in November, this webinar is offered once a month this 26/27 school year, scheduled at different times of day to meet the needs of parents.🖨️Share-able, print-friendly flyer available here: tinyurl.com/IEPCloserLook🖥️Register here: www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/🐈‍⬛Friday November 13 at 10AMtinyurl.com/4avrwr6z🌲Tuesday December 15 at 12PMtinyurl.com/2j7pmuuu❄️Friday January 15 at 10AMtinyurl.com/yrdzytzu💗Thursday February 18 at 7PMtinyurl.com/mtvdxn7u🪁Tuesday March 16 at 12PMtinyurl.com/33uybs8s🌦️Monday April 12 at 12PMtinyurl.com/yrxypwnc🌼Wednesday May 12 at 10AMtinyurl.com/4pt9vh2t ...
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🕠November 5 @ 5:30PMIEP Eligibility with Stephanie Nicholls Register at tinyurl.com/4thcrx48IEP EligibilityNovember 5 @ 5:30PMRegister at tinyurl.com/4thcrx48The special education process begins by determining if your child is eligible for an IEP.In this webinar we will explore:❔the difference between medical diagnosis and IEP eligibility❔importance of "educational impact"❔criteria for the 13 eligibility categories❔evaluation and eligibility resources💻See the full calendar of upcoming webinars at www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/ ...
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We are inviting parents, middle schoolers, high schoolers, and young adults to learn more about free resources to plan for a good life after high school. On December 9, Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council joins us for Planning for a Good Life Using the LifeCourse Tools. These are practical tools that support individuals with disabilities throughout all stages of life. If you're looking for a starting point for a conversation or how to start thinking about planning, these are the tools for you. Register at tinyurl.com/3hxxvhbv✔️Explore the vital role families play in supporting their loved one across the lifespan.✔️Learn how the LifeCourse Framework serves as a foundation for working with individuals with disabilities and their families.✔️See real-life examples on how to use the tools to support a good life.✔️Understand how to use Charting the LifeCourse for decision-making and problem-solving. See our full calendar at: www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/ ...
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Throughout the year, get to know our team members who use their lived experience navigating special education to support families across Michigan every day as we celebrate twenty years of special education.Say hello to Rachael Rubicz, our Parent Mentor in Genesee county. Rachael manages a high volume of complex inquiries. She has an extensive knowledge base in diverse family dynamics and early childhood development. Her ability to reassure and support families at critical moments makes her a vital asset for the organization. #maf20years ...
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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.