Are you a parent trying your best to understand the Michigan special education system? If so, we are here to help. We understand how complex the special education process can be, and we also know the resources that can help! Below, we have listed 9 Michigan IEP parent resources that can help you become an even stronger advocate for your child.
1. Procedural Safeguards Notice
As you know, it’s crucial to know your rights as you’re advocating for your child. The foundational document that lays out your rights is, The Notice of Procedural Safeguards. You should have received a copy of this document but it can also be found online. Do not let the length and legal jargon scare you. Numbers 5 on this list can help you better understand the Notice!
2. Michigan Department of Education
You are likely very familiar with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), but have you explored their website? The special education section of MDE’s website has multiple resources for parents. One of the most helpful things they provide is fact sheets. These fact sheets cover topics such as IDEA, evaluation, resolving a problem, and Procedural Safeguards. Additionally, MDE has an informational helpline specifically for special education. As you explore other resources, it’s good to keep in mind what your district offers.
3. Kidvokit for Michigan
If you are tired of searching through your emails as you prep for IEP meetings, Kidvokit is for you. This online tool keeps you organized by detecting IEP related emails and automatically filing them for you. Additionally, it creates a timeline for your child and can quickly answer your questions with its built-in AI assistant. Visit our “How it works” page to learn how Kidvokit can save you time and keep you organized.
4. Michigan Alliance for Families
An important resource hub to utilize is Michigan Alliance for Families (MAF). MAF is a nationally funded Parent Center that exists to support special education families. They offer online guides, parent trainings, and events. Most importantly, they provide personal assistance by phone or email. If you have a question or need a referral, they are the ones to contact.
5. Disability Rights Michigan
Disability Rights Michigan has everything you need to be an even stronger advocate for your child. Their Advocate’s Guide is a 13-chapter guide that walks you through every aspect of your rights. The guide can be accessed by chapter, allowing you to easily skip to the section you need. This document is a great companion to the Notice of Procedural Safeguards. If you have questions or need a referral, they also offer a free and confidential helpline Monday-Friday from 9AM to 4PM.
6. Special Education Mediation Services
Special Education Mediation Services (SEMS) helps you advocate for your child. Their services are free and they offer mediators for dispute resolution and facilitators for meetings. SEMS provides neutral professionals who are well versed in navigating the special education system. Additionally, they empower parents by offering trainings and workshops. You can learn more by visiting Special Education Mediation Services’s website.
7. Wrightslaw
If you want to know your rights in any area of the special education process, Wrightslaw can help. Their website can keep you up to date on special education law, and they make it easy to search any law with their A-Z topic tab. Additionally, they offer clearly explained guides on a multitude of special education topics. Wrightslaw prepares you to be the best advocate by explaining your rights and the options you have.
8. Youtube
YouTube has it all, and it’s no surprise that it is also a good resource for special education information. If you are looking for Michigan specific videos, the Michigan Department of Education’s YouTube channel includes a playlist dedicated to special education. Another helpful YouTube channel is the Center for Parent Resource and Information’s channel. Their channel includes most of their past webinars, including some in spanish.
9. Facebook Groups
A good support group can make a huge difference as you traverse the special education system. Talking to other parents in similar situations can provide guidance and a sense of solidarity. Support groups are a great reminder that you are not alone. Facebook is a convenient way to connect with other parents. Many Facebook groups exist, but a few Michigan specific groups worth checking out are Michigan Dyslexia Support Group, Michigan Autism Parents, Michigan Families with Special Needs, and Michigan Parent Advisory Committees.
Michigan IEP Resource Recap
You are doing good work. It’s hard work, but you are doing it! We hope the above resources reminded you that you are not alone and that you have options. Know your rights and become familiar with the organizations that can offer guidance and advocacy. We recommend bookmarking this page to refer back to in the future.
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