The Informed,
Educated Parent
A newsletter about special education for Michigan families
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Greetings!
May brings celebrations and events in schools — concerts and plays, awards ceremonies, proms, and graduation.
This time of year can be challenging when your child has tried their best and never receives recognition.
Celebrate your child anyway, for whatever individuality or kindness that makes them unique. Rejoice in all the accomplishments of this year, even if they may look a little different.
Kanika Littleton
Director, Michigan Alliance for Families
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Do you have a child with an IEP attending a virtual school? We want to hear from you!
Michigan Alliance for Families is looking for input from families with a child (or children) attending virtual schools with an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Michigan Alliance for Families will be sharing the information gathered with the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education to be used to develop guidance regarding Virtual Schools and IEPs.
Know someone who could provide their feedback?
Share the survey link with them to help us connect!
Survey closes May 31, 2024.
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We've added a new resource to our video library, available in both English and Spanish.
If you have questions about the development of a young child, about Early On® Michigan or how it works, this new video is for you! Learn more about developmental milestones, evaluation areas, eligibility determination, interventions and services, and your family's rights.
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Changes to Read by Grade Three Law |
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Changes to Michigan's Read by Grade Three law means districts are no longer required to hold back third graders who score too low on reading tests. The other components remain the same.
•Family and school will be notified for each student who has been identified as having a reading deficiency on standardized testing
•An Individualized Reading Improvement Plan (IRIP) outlines steps that will be taken to accelerate students' reading progress
•Evidence based reading strategies are individualized, with intensive intervention support aligned with instructional methods consistent with the science of reading
•Ongoing monitoring and response to literacy instruction to make individual adjustments
MDE has updated parent and district resources, including sample communications, strategies for families, a Read by Grade Three - parent tip video, literacy tips for parents, and resources supporting early literacy through Michigan e-library.
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Statewide Autism Resources and Training (START) held its 24th Annual Conference last month in Lansing, with a focus on Creating Connections: Strengthening Belonging.
Parents, professionals, and self-advocates attended to hear from experts on the inclusion of neurodivergent individuals both in and beyond the classroom, peer-to-peer support, and community mobilization. Lola Dada-Olley, Esq., sibling, and mother of two children with disabilities, gave powerful opening and closing remarks, where she discussed her family’s multi-generational journey with autism, including building a “village” to assist in navigating obstacles and obtaining necessary support.
As an attorney, advocate, writer, speaker, and podcast host, Lola shares her wisdom and message of perseverance with numerous audiences across the country. She touches on relevant issues such as societal stigma, the intersectionality of disability and race, and systemic barriers.
During her remarks, Ms. Dada-Olley shared a saying deeply ingrained in her Nigerian culture, “smiling and suffering.” It reflects the ability to be resilient and endure in the face of adversity. As parents and caregivers, we face many challenges when advocating for and with our students. These efforts don’t need to be done in solitude. Lola reiterated the positive impact of finding your “village” and defining what success means for your family. This hopeful message truly resonates.
Our village may consist of family, healthcare providers, educators, and more. No matter our role, we are allies in embracing differences and uplifting diverse learners. Creating a culture of acceptance and inclusivity is key to building a better society.
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Depending on their needs, children from birth to age 3 may be eligible for services under only Part C or under both Part C and the Michigan Mandatory Special Education mandate. In Michigan, Part C is called Early On®.
New guidance is available from Michigan Department of Education on the Determination of Eligibility for Michigan Mandatory Special Education (MMSE). This document is available regarding infants and toddlers, ages birth to three, with a Visual Impairment (VI) including Blindness.
MMSE eligibility guidance is also available for the categories of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Deaf or Hard of Hearing, Early Childhood Developmental Delay, Speech/ Language Impaired, and Other Health Impairments.
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Paving the Way to Self Determination |
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Paving the Way to Self Determination offers free, online educational opportunities for families with children with disabilities (ages birth – 12) to empower thinking that leads to living an independent and self-directed life.
Let’s raise the bar of expectations so our children can look forward to a brighter future – one of their choosing.
Visit the Disability Network of Southwest Michigan website for full details and to register. Questions should be directed to Mary Fortney at fortneym@dnswm.org or 269-345-1516 x 201.
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Upcoming Michigan Alliance for Families Events |
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Registration is open for The Arc Michigan's annual Disability Policy Webinar taking place online for two Fridays, June 14 and 21.
Hear about the latest developments in state and federal disability policies for 2024. Expert panels will provide a comprehensive overview of recent legislative changes, regulatory updates, access to services, advocacy efforts, and emerging trends impacting individuals with disabilities and their communities.
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Leadership opportunity for high school and middle school age girls with disabilities!
Are you ready to become a leader, advocate for yourself and others, and boost your confidence?
Join us July 25th-July 28th for a unique, powerful four-day, three-night program designed specifically for teen girls like you! Led by women with disabilities, Her Power! is more than just self-esteem programming - it's about real self-empowerment
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Have questions about this event or other special education questions?
Ask us!
info@michiganallianceforfamilies.org
1-800-552-4821
En Español
313-217-1060
للغه العربيه
248-963-0607
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Michigan Alliance for Families is our state's federally funded Parent Training and Information Center. We are a Michigan Department of Education IDEA Grant Funded Initiative. The efforts of Michigan Alliance for Families align with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to help improve results for children with disabilities. Michigan Alliance for Families can assist you in knowing your rights, effectively communicating your child's needs, and advising how to help your child develop and learn.
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