The post below is sponsored by the Michigan Alliance for Families. All opinions expressed belong to me.
ASD, IEP, 504, ADHD, ODD, EI, SPD…The number of acronyms for a parent of a child with disabilities goes on and on. They can be confusing, and often times, scary. Without the help of someone who has ‘been there, done that,’ navigating this world as a parent can be emotionally taxing — period.
But it doesn’t have to be.
Thankfully, our state is full of resources for bridging the gap for students with disabilities or behavioral issues, and many are FREE.
Personally, I will forever be grateful to Early On, a Michigan Department of Education IDEA grant-funded initiative, for setting me down a path when my daughter had a speech delay and sensory sensitivities. I was worried and losing sleep over what her future held and what her rights looked like in a public school setting. I had ZERO clue.
With the help of fellow parents, I learned who to get in touch with for questions, and how to advocate on my own. My daughter is thriving, but I never know what the next day may bring. So I’m thrilled today to be chatting about another IDEA grant-funded initiative, Michigan Alliance for Families because this is a fantastic resource for all those questions parents have when issues arise.
The Michigan Alliance for Families is a statewide resource to connect families of children with disabilities of all types to resources to help improve their children’s education.
The organization assists parents in knowing their rights, effectively communicating a child’s needs, and advising how to help the child develop and learn.
HOW THE MICHIGAN ALLIANCE FOR FAMILIES WORKS:
- There are a number of regional parent mentors throughout the state.
- Each parent mentor is a family member of a child who receives or has received special education supports and services; they have firsthand experience with the special education system.
- Parents are encouraged to call 1-800-552-4821 to get in touch with the mentor for their area.
- Mentors assist parents in navigating the special education system and are knowledgeable about state and local resources. They can help you understand IEPs and the IEP process IEPs {Individualized Educational Program} suggest resources for local help, and more.
A review on the Facebook page says it best:
“Best resource out there with people who care and are educated and helpful to assist parents in all areas of the special education system.”
In addition to having a parent mentor, the Michigan Alliance offers workshops on special education topics, webinars, behavioral issues and support, transitioning from high school to the real world and preschool prep. {See an entire calendar of upcoming events here. I it is updated frequently.
Michigan Alliance for Families is an IDEA Grant Funded Initiative of the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education, and Michigan’s federal Parent-Training and Information Center funded by U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. Because it’s funded by a grant, all of the services, workshops, and information it provides areabsolutely FREE to families with children up to age 26.
Learn more about the Michigan Alliance for Families at their website or Facebook. Parents can also call 1-800-552-4821 with any questions or further help.
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