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.

Reading Starts Earlier Than You Think!Did you know that literacy begins long before children learn to read words? Talkin...
03/22/2026

Reading Starts Earlier Than You Think!

Did you know that literacy begins long before children learn to read words? Talking, singing, and sharing books with your baby or toddler helps build the language and communication skills they need to thrive. Even just a few minutes of reading together each day can make a big difference.

Parents are a child’s first and most important teachers, and early exposure to books and language helps build the strong foundation children need for learning, thinking, and problem-solving later in life.

Try this today:
• Let your child turn the pages
• Talk about the pictures
• Read the same favorite book again (and again!)
These simple moments help grow a lifelong love of reading.

Learn more about Michigan’s Every Child Reads initiative: https://www.michigan.gov/mileap/early-childhood-education/every-child-reads

Michigan Alliance for Families staff participate in outreach events across the state to connect with parents, families, ...
03/21/2026

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.

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/

Do you have a student who refuses accommodations that were meant to help them succeed?  When a student rejects an accomm...
03/21/2026

Do you have a student who refuses accommodations that were meant to help them succeed? When a student rejects an accommodation, they are trying to protect their identity and their sense of belonging.

This resource from Edutopia explores why students reject accommodations and shares 5 ways to help students move from resistance to empowered.

When we frame support as a way for students to show what they truly know, the conversation can move from “I can’t do this” to “This is how I do it best.”

https://www.edutopia.org/article/what-do-when-students-reject-their-accommodations

Springing into adulthood?If you have a youth with a disability preparing for life after high school, this series is for ...
03/20/2026

Springing into adulthood?

If you have a youth with a disability preparing for life after high school, this series is for you!

Dealing with discipline issues?Is your child being sent home from school or removed from the classroom?Has your teen bee...
03/19/2026

Dealing with discipline issues?
Is your child being sent home from school or removed from the classroom?
Has your teen been suspended from school?

📌Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports:
April 6 at 6:30PM, register at https://tinyurl.com/m8a2fpbp

When challenging behavior interferes with the learning process, it has to be addressed. Special education law allows for a Functional Behavior Assessment to determine why the behavior is happening. This evaluation data is used to develop a Behavior Intervention Plan. Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports are the proactive, positive tools to teach and support positive behavior skills.

📌Behavior is Communication
April 17 & 24 at 1PM, register at https://tinyurl.com/2by7bcpx

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

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

Full details, easy registration, and more learning opportunities on our website https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/

Say hello to Kelsey Biswanger, our Early Childhood and Youth Trainer and our liaison with Early On.Kelsey takes the time...
03/18/2026

Say hello to Kelsey Biswanger, our Early Childhood and Youth Trainer and our liaison with Early On.

Kelsey takes the time to thoughtfully research and understand different perspectives, which helps her communicate information clearly and effectively with families.

Kelsey is proud to work at Michigan Alliance for Families because we listen to families and value their lived experiences. The best part of her job is seeing someone's face light up when they learn something that will help them better advocate for their child’s needs.

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.

Time marches on! As our children grow into teens and young adults, we think about what comes next: Transition to Adultho...
03/18/2026

Time marches on! As our children grow into teens and young adults, we think about what comes next: Transition to Adulthood.

If you have a youth with a disability preparing for life after high school, this series is for you. Learn the basics of the transition process, explore community resources, understand graduation requirements, consider employment expectations, or start planning for college.

We welcome students, families, and community partners that support the transition from school to adulthood. Attend all or just the ones that interest you the most. Register for each webinar individually.

✔️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 13 at 11AM Understanding Personal Curriculum and Graduation
Learn about the Personal Curriculum option that allows for certain modifications to the state's high school graduation requirements. Register at https://tinyurl.com/9d394r9c

✔️April 16 at 5:30PM Collaboration 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 Transition: Beyond IDEA
An overview of community resources to assist with the transition from school to adult life. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yc7mkwp2

✔️May 5 at 5:30PM College Planning with an IEP
Students with disabilities can learn about their options for enrolling in college programs and how to request the accommodations they need. Register at https://tinyurl.com/6asfykx6

⭐Teens and young adults who have an active IEP can learn to take action in life to get the things they want and need! Join us for a Youth Self-Determination Course starting Thursday May 14. Registration opens April 13. 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.

These webinars are a great opportunity to ask questions and plan next steps.

Visit our website calendar for full details, share-able flyers, and easy registration https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/upcoming-events/

Next month, Wayne State University will begin administering the annual Early On Family Survey on behalf of Michigan Depa...
03/17/2026

Next month, Wayne State University will begin administering the annual Early On Family Survey on behalf of Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). They hope to hear from as many families as possible to ensure all voices inform and strengthen their work.

Last year, more than 3,000 families completed the survey, increasing the response rate from 33.36% to 36.96%.

Additionally, all three of these targets were met
🎯Percent of families participating in Part C who report that early intervention services have helped the family know their rights
🎯Percent of families participating in Part C who report that early intervention services have helped the family effectively communicate their children's needs
🎯Percent of families participating in Part C who report that early intervention services have helped the family help their children develop and learn

🕔March 16 at 5pm Shaping IEPs with Student Strengths with Andrea BeachnauRegister at https://tinyurl.com/m4wj54c8
03/16/2026

🕔March 16 at 5pm
Shaping IEPs with Student Strengths with Andrea Beachnau
Register at https://tinyurl.com/m4wj54c8

Focus on the possible! An IEP is more than just a list of challenges—it’s a roadmap built on what your child can do.

Your child’s strengths are the foundation of a successful IEP. IEPs should highlight what students do well, using those strengths as a foundation for addressing their needs and setting achievable goals.

Register today to join our free online workshop on March 16. We’ll help you reflect on your child’s skills and prepare you to walk into your next IEP meeting with confidence.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/m4wj54c8
Full details, easy registration, and more learning opportunities at 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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