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.

Autism is a spectrum, and every person has unique strengths, challenges, and experiences. Every child deserves to be und...
04/21/2026

Autism is a spectrum, and every person has unique strengths, challenges, and experiences. Every child deserves to be understood, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how individuals communicate, interact, learn, and experience the world around them. It is called a “spectrum” because no two autistic individuals are exactly the same. Some may be highly verbal, while others communicate in different ways; some may seek sensory input, while others may feel overwhelmed by it. Every autistic person has their own unique strengths, challenges, interests, and ways of engaging with the world. Understanding this diversity helps us move beyond stereotypes and focus on supporting each child as an individual. When we embrace differences and create inclusive environments, all children have the opportunity to thrive. 💙

In celebration ofAutism Acceptance Month, NBA head coaches are wearing autism acceptance sneakers to raise funds and bri...
04/20/2026

In celebration ofAutism Acceptance Month, NBA head coaches are wearing autism acceptance sneakers to raise funds and bring awareness.

In partnership with the NBA and the NBA Coaches Association, a special thank you to all 30 NBA Head Coaches for supporting NBA's Autism Acceptance Month and Utah Jazz Assistant Coach Scott Morrison’s To The Max Foundation. From March 30 – April 4 NBA Head Coaches across the league will once

Sensory integration therapy helps children learn how to process and respond to sensory input in a more organized way.
04/20/2026

Sensory integration therapy helps children learn how to process and respond to sensory input in a more organized way.

What Is Sensory Integration Therapy?

Sensory integration therapy helps children learn how to process and respond to sensory input in a more organized way.

For toddlers, the world can feel overwhelming when their brain has difficulty making sense of what they see, hear, or feel.

This therapy uses play-based activities to gently support how the nervous system receives and responds to sensory information.

A trained therapist may incorporate movement, touch, balance, and coordination exercises.

Activities like swinging, climbing, brushing, or deep pressure are used to meet specific sensory needs.

These experiences help the brain build stronger connections between the body and sensory input.

Over time, toddlers may become more regulated, focused, and comfortable in their environment.

You might notice improvements in behavior, attention, and emotional regulation.

It can also support motor skills, body awareness, and confidence in movement.

Sensory integration therapy meets the child where they are, honoring their unique needs.

By supporting the nervous system, it helps toddlers feel safer, calmer, and more in control of their bodies.



Image credit: Simant Gautam

Meeting the mental health needs of students is important for their success at home and at school. Our partners at ACMH -...
04/19/2026

Meeting the mental health needs of students is important for their success at home and at school.
Our partners at ACMH - Association for Children's Mental Health (Michigan) are joining us on Wednesday, April 22 for a free webinar on Supporting Student Mental Health.

Learn about school-based mental health initiatives, family approaches, and helpful resources. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2h9ymupd

Visit our website calendar for full details, more learning opportunities, and easy registration https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/

“We appreciate your help and that of the Michigan Alliance for Families. The information we have received from you direc...
04/19/2026

“We appreciate your help and that of the Michigan Alliance for Families. The information we have received from you directly, the webinars and the website has been priceless. I have never seen a more organized website with up-to-date links to relevant information, the law and simple explanations when needed”

https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org is here for you when you need us, even at 2am or 10pm, to answer your questions in terms that makes sense.

Chuck E. Cheese now offers Sensory Sensitive Sundays and tailored birthday parties, designed for children with autism or...
04/18/2026

Chuck E. Cheese now offers Sensory Sensitive Sundays and tailored birthday parties, designed for children with autism or sensory sensitivities.

These events feature lower volume, dimmed lighting, and reduced crowds. Special birthday packages allow customizing, such as opting out of character appearances or song performances, plus a dedicated, trained host

Learn more at

IRVING, Texas (March 31, 2026) — Chuck E. Cheese, the Birthday Capital of the Universe®, is kicking off World Autism

04/17/2026

Teens and young adults who have an active IEP can learn to take action in life to get the things they want and need! Register to join us for a Youth Self-Determination Course starting Thursday, May 14.

During this four-week online course, young people can learn to choose and set their own goals, be more involved with decision making, and learn to advocate for themselves.
✔️Choices and decision making
✔️Problem solving
✔️Setting and reaching goals
✔️Self awareness, regulation, and advocacy

These are interactive online sessions and participants should come ready to share. Space is limited. Registration closes May 12 or when the course is full. Register at https://tinyurl.com/YSDspring2026

More learning opportunities on our website calendar www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/

Michigan Alliance for Families staff participate in outreach events across the state to connect with parents, families, ...
04/17/2026

Michigan Alliance for Families staff participate in outreach events across the state to connect with parents, families, and youth who interact with the special education system. Including at the Oakland Schools Early On conference!

We assist families of students with disabilities to:
💡know their rights
🗣️effectively communicate their child's needs
🤝facilitate family involvement to improve educational outcomes

Connect with the Parent Mentor in your part of the state ➡️ https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/maf-offices/

🕐Two Fridays: April 17 & 24 at 1PMBehavior is Communication with Sally Burton-HoyleRegister at https://tinyurl.com/2by7b...
04/17/2026

🕐Two Fridays: April 17 & 24 at 1PM
Behavior is Communication with Sally Burton-Hoyle
Register at https://tinyurl.com/2by7bcpx

🆕NEW VIDEO 🆕Our latest video on Special Education Evaluation and Eligibility explains when and why a parent might seek a...
04/17/2026

🆕NEW VIDEO 🆕

Our latest video on Special Education Evaluation and Eligibility explains when and why a parent might seek an evaluation of their child for special education supports.

We cover how the process works and explain important terms parents need to know, like REED, Notice, and IEE, as well as parent’s rights during the evaluation process

The video is chaptered. Key highlights include:

✔️how to request a comprehensive evaluation
✔️ understand the purpose of the evaluation process
✔️ explain eligibility category criteria
✔️ review of timelines
✔️ what to do if you disagree

🖥️Watch on our YouTube channel. While you're there, don't forget to hit the subscribe button. https://youtu.be/pVT3UjFosO4

All behavior is communication. We know that individuals with disabilities who exhibit unacceptable behavior do so for a ...
04/16/2026

All behavior is communication. We know that individuals with disabilities who exhibit unacceptable behavior do so for a specific reason.

Every behavior serves a function for the person. The behavior we see, is just the tip of the iceberg. When we understand the function of the behavior, we can teach an alternative appropriate behavior to meet that need.

Join us for a two-part virtual workshop starting this Friday that can help you determine what they are saying with their behavior and how to substitute a more acceptable way to communicate that message.

Two Fridays: April 17 & 24 from 1:00-2:30PM
Behavior is Communication with Sally Burton-Hoyle
https://tinyurl.com/2by7bcpx

Visit our website for a full list of upcoming online workshops at https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/

🕠April 16 at 5:30PMCollaborating on Transition with Karen WangRegister at https://tinyurl.com/msurn96v  Families with mi...
04/16/2026

🕠April 16 at 5:30PM
Collaborating on Transition with Karen Wang
Register at https://tinyurl.com/msurn96v

Families with middle and high school aged children with an IEP are invited to learn more about Collaborating on Transition.

• Find out the differences between a transition IEP and a pre-transition IEP
• Explore the student’s important role in their transition IEP
• Learn how the IEP prepares the student for life after school
• How to craft an IEP that accurately reflects a student’s transition strengths, preferences, interests, and needs

Let's plan for the future! Not just any future, YOUR future!

We invite middle school and high school students who have an IEP to attend with their family. These webinars focus on the transition from special education to adult life.

📍Transition to Adulthood webinars with Karen Wang on Thursdays in April at 5:30PM!

✔️April 9 at 5:30PM Transition: What You Need to Know
Learn how to use the IEP transition plan along with community resources to plan a smooth transition from school to adulthood. Register at https://tinyurl.com/227786t7

✔️April 16 at 5:30PM Collaborating on Transition
Learn how to craft a Transition IEP that accurately reflects a student’s transition strengths, preferences, interests, and needs. Register at https://tinyurl.com/msurn96v

✔️April 23 at 5:30PM Transition: Employment Expectations
Learn how employment goals fit into the transition planning process for youth with disabilities and how to overcome barriers to employment. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3nh3uttu

✔️April 30 at 5:30PM Transition: Beyond IDEA
An overview of community resources to assist with the transition from school to adult life.

➕Youth Self-Determination Course starting May 14. Registration opens April 13.

Full details and easy registration on our website ➡️ https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/

Address

1325 S Washington Avenue
Lansing, MI
48910

Telephone

+18005524821

Website

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

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