Michigan Alliance for Families

Michigan Alliance for Families Michigan Alliance for Families and Michigan Alliance - PTI provides information, support and education Michigan Alliance for Families is a moderated page.

SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
Michigan Alliance for Families (MAF) will use its Facebook (FB) page and any other social media siteS to connect with and inform parents and other interested parties about our organization. We encourage all MAF supporters to be involved in online tools such as Facebook, which can promote MAF, connect people with the information and resources that they need and positively impact the lives of families of children receiving special education services. Your use of MAF social media sites is acceptance of this Policy and has the same effect as if you had actually physically signed an agreement. If you do not agree to the terms of this Policy, you may not view or post any content to any MAF Social Media site. As a guest posting content to any MAF social media sites, you agree that you will not:
violate any local, state, federal and international laws and regulations, including but not limited to copyright and intellectual property rights laws regarding any content that you post;
transmit any material (by uploading, posting, email or otherwise) that is unlawful, disruptive, threatening, profane, abusive, harassing, embarrassing, tortuous, defamatory, obscene, libelous, or is an invasion of another's privacy,
make comments about a person or groups’ culture, race, ethnicity or disability that is hateful or objectionable as solely determined by MAF;
impersonate any person or entity or falsely state or otherwise misrepresent your affiliation with a person or entity;
transmit (by uploading, posting, email or otherwise) any unsolicited or unauthorized advertising, or promotional materials about a product or Web site
post any content that may be construed as political lobbying, solicitations or endorsements. MAF reserves the right, in its discretion, to restrict or remove any content that violates these policies or any applicable law or revoke a user’s privilege to post on its page. All comments, visuals, videos and any other type of material posted by guests on MAF social media sites do not necessarily represent the views of The Arc Michigan, MAF, or their employees or affiliates. MAF assumes no legal responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information posted by guests. To protect your privacy, never post personal contact information on a social media site. If you need to reach MAF, call the main number at 1-800-552-4821 or send an email to info@michiganallianceforfamilies.org

MAF reserves the right to report any comments that imply harm or imminent danger to yourself or others. By submitting a comment for posting, you accept that MAF has the right to contact the appropriate authorities to report any suspicious activities, threats, or behaviors. By posting on this site, you are granting permission to MAF to reproduce, distribute, publish, display such content and the right to create derivative works from your content, edit or modify such content and use such content for any purpose. MAF reserves the right, but undertakes no duty, to review, edit, move, or delete any material submitted as a comment to information posted on its social media sites without notice. MAF reserves the right to edit comments for grammatical purposes. This policy may be updated at any time without notice, and each time you access a MAF social media site, the new policy will govern, usage, effective upon posting.

People who have difficulty expressing themselves may require an alternative way to communicate. Communication systems, s...
02/20/2026

People who have difficulty expressing themselves may require an alternative way to communicate. Communication systems, strategies, and tools that replace or supplement natural speech are known as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Our partners@mymdrc join us in February to talking technology during these two free webinars.

February 20 - Intro to AAC & Resources with Michigan Disability Rights Coalition at 6:30pm. Register at https://tinyurl.com/38mhr6vr
Students who have difficulty expressing themselves may require an alternative way to communicate. Communication systems, strategies, and tools that replace or supplement natural speech are known as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
• what is AAC and when AAC should be considered
• how to find the right AAC
• philosophies to consider

Come back on February 25 for Supporting AAC @ Home with Alt+Shift.
Register at https://tinyurl.com/yz2xwxp7
Many have questions about how to use AAC at home and how to best support growing their AAC user's communication skills. This online session will cover:
• Strategies for incorporating AAC tools into daily routines
• Training skills to support AAC as a communication partner
• Advice from other parents AAC users on supporting AAC at home

For full details and more webinar topics, visit the calendar page on our website at https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/

If you’re struggling with tough special education meetings, Special Education Mediation Services  can provide communicat...
02/19/2026

If you’re struggling with tough special education meetings, Special Education Mediation Services can provide communication services and lay the foundation for student success.

Our friends at SEMS are back on March 9 at 9:30AM to help parents learn How to Prepare for and Participate in Mediation or Facilitation. Many disputes can be addressed early with better communication, which can lead to better outcomes. Register at https://tinyurl.com/44f2nsv2

See our full lineup of webinars at https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/

👶February 19 at 9:30AM From Puzzled to Prepared: Present Level for PreschoolFamilies with babies, toddlers, and preschoo...
02/19/2026

👶February 19 at 9:30AM From Puzzled to Prepared: Present Level for Preschool
Families with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers are invited to join us again this Thursday morning for learning more about early childhood and special education.

Learn the importance of the PLAAFP section of the IEP, and about sharing your insights on your child's daily routines and developmental strengths or concerns to strengthen the IEP. Register at https://tinyurl.com/26yk9mxp

See our full calendar at https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/

Throughout the year, get to know our team members who use their lived experience navigating special education to support...
02/19/2026

Throughout the year, get to know our team members who use their lived experience navigating special education to support families across Michigan every day as we celebrate twenty years of special education mentoring.

Say hello to Barbara Wright from our Information and Referral office!

Barbara manages a high volume of calls tracking multiple moving parts. Many families have benefited from her extensive local knowledge, determination, and ability to breakdown complex subjects into understandable language.

Barbara has loved seeing the growth in our organization, allowing every parent across the state to access the same support and information to get their child the help they need at school.


02/18/2026

🕟 February 18 at 4:30pm
Planning for a Good Life Using Charting the LifeCourse Tools with Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council
Register at https://tinyurl.com/yc7x9paa

02/18/2026

The Leaders in Policy Advocacy (LIPA) 2026 program is accepting applications until February 28!

LIPA is a six-month leadership program for adults with developmental disabilities and parents of minor children with developmental disabilities who want to better understand how systems work, learn how to influence change, and strengthen their advocacy skills.

LIPA helps participants move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling prepared and informed. Through hands-on learning, participants gain practical skills to understand policy, navigate systems, engage with decision-makers, and share their lived experiences clearly and effectively. As well as building a supportive community where participants learn alongside others who care about belonging, access, and making real change together.

💻Full details at https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/lipa/
🔗Apply at https://tinyurl.com/2026LIPA

Applications for this year’s program will be accepted February 1–28, 2026, with accepted participants being notified in early March.

Section 504 @ School: What Parents Need to KnowFebruary 24 @ noonRegister at https://tinyurl.com/46ybf6c7 Section 504 is...
02/18/2026

Section 504 @ School: What Parents Need to Know
February 24 @ noon
Register at https://tinyurl.com/46ybf6c7

Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a civil rights statute that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Students are protected in their access to academics, social engagement, extracurriculars, sports, events, and other school-sponsored activities. Students who might not qualify for an IEP may be covered by Section 504.

Find answers to questions like:
❓ How do I get a 504 Plan?
❓ What is the difference between a 504 Plan and an IEP?
❓ What could supports and services look like?
❓ What are my rights?

Find more online learning opportunities on our website calendar https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/

02/17/2026

If you are wondering "what should early childhood special education (preschool) look like for my child?", we’ve added a new video to our library we think you’ll find helpful!

Tune in to learn about preschool options for children with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and how special education and related services works for little learners.

Available on our YouTube channel now at https://youtu.be/aBLCMlkRkFk

Remember, if you have additional questions, you can always reach out to the Parent Mentor in your area at 800-552-4821. Happy viewing!

02/16/2026

We are inviting parents, middle schoolers, high schoolers, and young adults to learn more about these free resources to plan for a good life after high school.

This Wednesday, February 18th Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council joins us for Planning for a Good Life Using the LifeCourse Tools.

These are practical tools that support individuals with disabilities throughout all stages of life. If you're looking for a starting point for a conversation or how to start thinking about planning, these are the tools for you. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yc7x9paa

See our full calendar at: https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/

Michigan Alliance for Families ensures you get the same accurate, consistent, easy-to-understand information all across ...
02/16/2026

Michigan Alliance for Families ensures you get the same accurate, consistent, easy-to-understand information all across Michigan. Group learning is one way we share information.

Check out our upcoming learning opportunities at https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/

“LIPA is a leadership program, but for me, it was also a turning point," shared a LIPA graduate at recent reunion. "Like...
02/15/2026

“LIPA is a leadership program, but for me, it was also a turning point," shared a LIPA graduate at recent reunion. "Like many parents, I didn’t set out to become an advocate – I just wanted to help my kid, and LIPA gave me something I didn’t yet have: shared language, practical tools, and a strong community.”

If you’ve ever wondered whether your voice matters or whether you’re ready to step into advocacy, Breanne offers this reminder: “Sometimes all it takes is the right tools, the right community, and one door opening.”

LIPA 2026 COULD BE THAT DOOR. 🚪✨

LIPA (Leaders in Policy Advocacy) is a six-month leadership program for adults with developmental disabilities and parents of minor children with developmental disabilities who want to better understand how systems work, learn how to influence change, and strengthen their advocacy skills.

LIPA helps participants move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling prepared and informed. Through hands-on learning, participants gain practical skills to understand policy, navigate systems, engage with decision-makers, and share their lived experiences clearly and effectively. As well as building a supportive community where participants learn alongside others who care about belonging, access, and making real change together.

💻Full details at https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/lipa/
🔗Apply at https://tinyurl.com/2026LIPA

Applications for this year’s program will be accepted February 1–28, 2026, with accepted participants being notified in early March.

Address

1325 S Washington Avenue
Lansing, MI
48910

Telephone

+18005524821

Website

http://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events

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