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'Empowering Learners. Strengthening Independence' |
Welcome to the MITTIN Memo
Happy Spring!
As we move into mid-March, MITTIN has been actively engaging with students, families, agencies and educators through conferences, workshops, and a recent webinar. It’s inspiring to see the growing use of MITTIN modules across the state and the increasing interest in future topics to support learning.
Last week, we participated in the Michigan Special Education Legislative Summit (MiSELS), where we shared implementation stories and research on MITTIN with Representative Sharon MacDonell and other legislators and staffers.
As we begin to plan future development, your insights are invaluable. Please take a moment to complete our survey (see link below) where you can:
🔹 Share ideas for future MITTIN module topics
🔹 Prioritize the development of designed modules
🔹 Provide suggestions for enhancing or improving MITTIN resources
If you are interested in learning more about MITTIN, please reach out to our Project Manager, Kristine Gullen, Phd., at kristinegullen@maase.org or scan the QR code at the end of the newsletter. We are excited to strengthen our connections throughout Michigan and would love to have you join us.
Best Regards,
Dr. Derek Cooley,
MITTIN Committee Chair
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MITTIN in Action:
Building Independence and Community Connections
We love hearing how MITTIN modules are making a difference in the lives of students. Shannon DeLora, Transition Coordinator, shared an inspiring example from Muskegon Area ISD (MAISD) Craig Campus, where students are using the "Shop for Groceries" and "Use a Self-Checkout" modules to develop and strengthen their independent living skills. Yet their learning goes far beyond the classroom. Every Tuesday and Thursday, students take on a meaningful community service project—collecting shopping lists from senior residents at Jefferson Towers and heading to the local grocery store. There, they shop, bag, pay for groceries, and personally deliver them to the residents, reinforcing essential life skills while fostering community connections and intergenerational relationships.
This hands-on learning experience not only enhances financial literacy, problem-solving, and social skills, but also empowers students to contribute in a meaningful way to their community, while learning a job skill. What an incredible example of MITTIN in action—bridging classroom learning with real-world impact.
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Michigan Special Education Legislative Summit
The Michigan Special Education Legislative Summit (Mi SELS), hosted by the MAASE Advocacy Committee, provided a powerful platform for advocating on behalf of students with disabilities. Over 30 MAASE and MITTIN members attended this two-day event which fostered meaningful connections with key decision-makers, including members of the Senate, House, MiLEAP, legislative staff, and policy writers.
Representative Sharon MacDonell engaged with many MAASE members, sharing personal stories and highlighting the critical work ahead. MiSELS provided a wonderful opportunity to strengthen relationships with legislators, ensuring the voices and priorities of educators, students, and families are heard.
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MITTIN @ the MCEC Conference
What a wonderful event! The Michigan Council for Exceptional Children (MCEC) conference was filled with learning, collaboration, and innovation—and MITTIN was integrated throughout in meaningful ways.
Here are just a few highlights:
🔹 AV Playground Exhibit – Pam Cunningham and Suzy Ruskusky (MITTIN Committee Members) demonstrated assistive technology devices in action with MITTIN modules. Karen Hairston and Martin DeKorte from Great Lakes Reality Labs stopped by the exhibit to interact with participants and learners on the impact of MITTIN and ideas for future development.
🔹 MITTIN 1/2 day Workshop & Breakout Session – Participants took on MITTIN module challenges and heard real-world implementation stories from Shannon DeLora, Ashleigh Moro, Jenna Kogut, Jessica Lucke, Gretchen Archinal, Richard Gregory, Dr. Lois Vaughan-Hussain and Kristine Gullen.
🔹 Breakout Session: "iSpy AI" – Jessica Lucke and Erika Cech incorporated MITTIN into their engaging session on artificial intelligence in education to an overflow audience.
🔹 MITTIN Booth Success – Preservice teachers were among the 114 participants who signed up to receive updates on the MITTIN Memo, Professional Learning Communities, and Professional Learning opportunities.
A huge thank you to MCEC for their continued partnership and support of MITTIN. We look forward to building on this momentum and expanding the impact of MITTIN modules throughout the State of Michigan.
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MITTIN Webinar
The Michigan Council for Exceptional Children (MCEC) recently hosted an engaging and interactive webinar titled "Strengthening Effective Transition Services Using MITTIN Modules and Supplemental Lesson Plans." Facilitated by Richard Gregory and Dr. Lois Vaughan-Hussain, this session provided valuable insights into enhancing transition services for students with disabilities. Participants explored MITTIN modules and supplemental lesson plans, gaining practical tools and strategies to support students in achieving successful post-school outcomes. With a dynamic and collaborative approach, this session empowered educators with innovative resources to strengthen their transition programs.
Missed the live session? The recording is now available on the MCEC website! Visit michigancec.org to access this valuable professional development resource.
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2025 MITTIN Survey
Below you will find a link to the 2025 MITTIN Survey. Thank you for taking a few moments to share your priorities for module topics, design and development.
| | | Registration is open for the... | | In keeping with MAASE's mission of providing "...opportunities for leadership development, collaboration, and advocacy...", we are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 Summer Institute! This is the premier event for special education leaders in Michigan, where you will find countless opportunities to Advocate, Learn, & Lead with your MAASE colleagues! | | | |
MITTIN Implementation & Networking
Over the next few weeks you can find us connecting with parents, agencies and educators to strengthen a learner's transition to independence at:
MTSA Conference Lansing, MI
March 10, 11, & 12, 2025 - MITTIN Booth & Breakout Session
MITTIN PLC - new cohort
March 19 & 24, 2025
MITTIN PLC - assessment cohort
April 14 & 16, 2025
Oakland Schools - Waterford, Michigan
April 15, 2025
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MITTIN is a groundbreaking initiative committed to equipping students with the skills and tools necessary for independent living and meaningful participation in their communities. By integrating cutting-edge technology with practical, real-world applications, MITTIN fosters autonomy and self-sufficiency. These research-based modules and curricular resources support the development of essential life and employability skills and are freely available to parents, educators, and learners across Michigan. MITTIN is a partnership of the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE), Michigan Council for Exceptional Children (MCEC), Great Lakes Reality Labs (GLRL) and Public Policy Associates (PPA). To explore these valuable resources, visit: mittin.org
Safety and Independence at Home
MITTIN currently has twelve topics which focus on strengthening skills which promote safety and independence at home.
- Change a Light Bulb
- Clean Flat Surfaces
- Clean the Bedroom
- Put Away Groceries
- Use a Microwave
- Use an Oven
- Use a Stove
- Sweeping
- Mopping
- Taking out the Trash Bins
- Selecting Appropriate Clothing
- Recycling
Safety and Independence in the Community
MITTIN currently has four topics which focus on strengthening skills which promote safety and independence in the community.
- Cross the Street
- Shop for Groceries
- Walk Through a Parking Lot
- Use Self-Checkout
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