The Informed,
Educated Parent
A newsletter about special education for Michigan families
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Greetings!
During the month of February, families all over the country celebrate African American history and achievements as part of the broader scope of American History. This is a time to reflect upon the vast contributions African Americans have made to further the expansion of civil rights for all. Pioneers such as Brad Lomax, Donald Galloway, and Lois Curtis were African American activists who played a vital role in the Disability Rights Movement.
As we remember the rich history of this nation, we must not lose sight of current inequities. Students of color, particularly African American and Indigenous students with disabilities continue to exhibit overrepresentation among students receiving special education supports and services, academic achievement gaps, disproportionate rates of suspension and expulsion, and higher dropout rates (https://ocrdata.ed.gov/). Additionally, our students in rural communities and those living in areas with less financial resources, often face unique challenges which affect learning and achievement.
Michigan Alliance for Families values Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. These are not just buzz words, but a commitment to create a society that honors the lives of everyone, no matter race, gender, ability, religion, sexual orientation, or economic status. As our children are educated in the formal school system and in our homes, it’s important to highlight the benefits of living in an inclusive world, one where access to life’s necessities, such as healthcare, affordable housing, and a good education are not restricted based on our differences. We must all work to ameliorate the negative impact of discrimination. Our children deserve nothing less.
Check out these resources from Dr. Rosemarie Allen, founder, President and CEO of the Center for Equity and Excellence. This video library includes tips on how you can further the conversation of racial equity with your child: Resources (rosemarieallen.com).
Kanika Littleton
Director, Michigan Alliance for Families
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Updated Guidance: Special Education Reevaluation Process |
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The Michigan Department of Education released updated policy guidance on the special education reevaluation process. The reevaluation process is used to assess student’s evolving special education needs.
This document provides additional information on the process a district must follow when a parent and school district disagree about whether a reevaluation is unnecessary. The document also explains the district's obligations to obtain parental consent to reevaluate.
During the reevaluaion process, parents can ask questions like:
- What is my child’s present level of academic achievement and related developmental needs?
- What data is the Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance based on?
- Why is the evaluation necessary? For example: has the child’s service needs, achievement, or performance changed?
- What is the evaluation plan?
- What evaluations will be completed and by who?
- Have they met their IEP goals?
- What is my child's independent level of learning?
- Has their skill gap closed?
- Are they now working at grade level to meet state standards?
- Are the IEP programs/supports/services that they've been receiving necessary to continue participating in the general education curriculum and making progress?
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Michigan Alliance for Families is planning two online sessions ( April 11th and 18th at 7 pm) for current and prospective Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) members across the state to come together and share what works well for their committee.
To make these sessions as valuable as possible we want to know what you would like more information about. Please share your input with us.
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Leaders in Policy Advocacy (LIPA) is a leadership development program for adults with developmental disabilities and parents of minor children with developmental disabilities. This project trains and supports participants to become leaders in disability advocacy.
Michigan Alliance for Families is so excited to bring LIPA back. The Arc Michigan had previously hosted LIPA, but it hasn't been offered in several years.
Program participants will be a part of a larger network of past LIPA graduates who have gone on to help create a more inclusive world for individuals with developmental disabilities through organizing, advocating, and systems change efforts.
Applications are being accepted through February 28, 2023.
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Early On® is Michigan’s Early Intervention service across the state of Michigan that serves families of children with developmental delays from birth to age three. A huge part of their work and improving that work is the input they receive from the families they serve. They accomplish that work by using a family survey. This survey is sent out through the mail and focuses on three key areas: parental involvement, family-centeredness of services, and community participation.
This survey is a families’ opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences with the Early On field. The survey is given by Wayne State University’s Center for Urban Studies and does not go to the provider of Early On services. Family responses remain confidential.
If you are a family whose child receives Early On, watch for a brochure in the mail which includes information regarding the survey. The surveys will go out in April. Please be aware that the survey will come from Wayne State University and most likely will be in your child’s name. Consider filling this survey out to assist in improving the Early On system.
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Paving the Way to Self Determination |
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February 21st - Rise Up! Disability History, Pride & Allyship
February 22nd - Understanding Social Security Benefits
February 23rd - How to Ask for an Accommodation
This free program from focuses on concepts that will introduce children with disabilities (ages birth – 12) and their families to the empowerment that leads to living an independent and self-directed life.
Offered in partnership with Disability Network Southwest Michigan, Paving the Way to Self Determination offers an opportunity for families to reframe their mindset about disability. Rather than see disability as something negative or limiting, Paving the Way to Self Determination helps parents and their children to think of disability as a form of diversity.
Let’s raise the bar of expectations so our children can
look forward to a brighter future – one of their choosing!
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Upcoming Michigan Alliance for Families Events |
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Registration is open for the annual START Conference, to be held on May 1 in Lansing. The focus of this year's conference is inclusion and belonging.
The START Project offers a Family scholarship to Michigan family members of a child with a disability, to cover the cost of registration for the START Conference.
To be considered for this scholarship, please complete and submit the application available on their website:
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"Emergency" seclusion and restraint has been used 94,000 times since 2016, disproportionally on students with disabilities.
This reporting takes a frank look at the 2016 state law, what these seclusion rooms can look like, and the traumatic effects this can have on children.
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Depression and suicide are hiding in plain sight, affecting more and more young people.
Resources from National PTA to have necessary conversations with our children and teens about mental health, depression, and suicide.
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Want to know more about Independent Facilitation? Do you want to use an Independent Facilitator in your next Person Centered Plan?
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute is offering a webinar on March 22 to learn more.
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Have a special education question?
Ask us! 1-800-552-4821
En Español 313-217-1060
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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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