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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
🙋🏾‍♀️Who's ready for summertime?🧐Who might still have IEP questions while school is on break?💡Michigan Alliance for Families offers IEP: A Closer Look every month, even during the summer!June 22 IEP: A Closer Look with Stephanie Nicholls from 6:30pm- 8:00pm. Register at tinyurl.com/5ed3vevx QR code takes you to our website calendar for easy registration ➡️ www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/ ... See MoreSee Less

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Michigan Alliance for Families

3 days ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
Michigan Alliance for Families staff participate in outreach events across the state to connect with parents, families, and youth who interact with the special education system.We assist families of students with disabilities to:💡know their rights🗣️effectively communicate their child's needs🤝facilitate family involvement to improve educational outcomesPlanning an outreach event this summer? Invite us! 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

4 days ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
Policy decisions shape real lives. Join @thearcmichigan this June for a free three-part Disability Policy Webinar Series featuring leaders from across Michigan and the nation discussing the issues impacting disability services today—and what may be ahead.From legislative updates to conversations about access, quality, and the future of services, this series is designed to keep advocates, families, and professionals informed and connected. Three Fridays (June 5, 12 & 26) from 9:30AM to noon.Register now at tinyurl.com/ArcMi26 ... See MoreSee Less

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Michigan Alliance for Families

4 days ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
An Individualized Family Service Plan or IFSP provides supports and services to help a young child with a disability or delay. This written plan provides supports and services to help your young child develop and learn. IFSPs are developed collaboratively with the family not just the child, recognizing that supporting the whole family is key to supporting the child’s development.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 IFSPs and other special education matters on our website www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/IFSP A video explanation is available on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/shorts/Y9Rj3JrYKBo ... See MoreSee Less

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Michigan Alliance for Families

5 days ago

Michigan Alliance for Families
🧐What comes after Early On?As a child approaches their 3rd birthday, families may start hearing words like “transition plan” or “transition conference” or “preschool special education.” That can feel exciting, emotional, and sometimes overwhelming all at once. The good news? You do not have to figure it out alone.Early On supports children from birth to age 3, and transition planning is built into the process to help families and children prepare for what comes next. Depending on your child’s needs, the next step could include community preschool programs, Head Start, GSRP, preschool special education services, or other supports.Remember: you are an important member of your child’s team. Your voice and hopes for your child matter. For one on one support to find answers to your specific questions, connect with your Michigan Alliance for Families Parent Mentor.www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/transition-to-preschool/ ... 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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