Resources
IDEA, the Individual with Disabilities Education Act, is our nation’s special education law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children. The IDEA governs how states, school districts, and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 7.5 million (2020-21) eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law
The IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to more than 7.5 million (as of school year 2020-21) eligible infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities.
IDEA Statue 2004 http://idea.ed.gov/download/statute.html
IDEA Explained http://idea.ed.gov
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law
The IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to more than 7.5 million (as of school year 2020-21) eligible infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities.
IDEA Statue 2004 http://idea.ed.gov/download/statute.html
IDEA Explained http://idea.ed.gov
The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, Public Law (PL) 107-110, is the nation’s latest general education law. It amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and has brought sweeping changes to our educational systems. What does the law require, what does it change about education, how are states responding, and what does the law mean for children with disabilities? http://www2.ed.gov/policy/elsec/leg/esea02/index.html
Understanding NCLB http://www.learningpt.org/pdfs/qkey1.pdf
Understanding NCLB http://www.learningpt.org/pdfs/qkey1.pdf
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act Before there was IDEA, there was the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Section 504 of this Act continues to play an important role in education, especially for students with disabilities who may not qualify for special education services under IDEA. http://www.dol.gov/oasam/regs/statutes/sec504.htm
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 504 Facts Sheet http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/civilrights/resources/factsheets/504.pdf
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 504 Facts Sheet http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/civilrights/resources/factsheets/504.pdf
Americans with Disabilities Act – The ADA Passed by the Congress and signed into law by the President in July 1990, the ADA is the first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities. The ADA protects the civil rights of people with disabilities in all aspects of employment, in accessing public services such as transportation, and guaranteeing access to public accommodations such as restaurants, stores, hotels and other types of buildings to which the public has access. http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/2010ADAStandards/2010ADAStandards_prt.pdf
Assistive Technology Act Assistive technology can greatly improve the access and function of people with disabilities in school, work, home, and community. The Assistive Technology Act is intended to ensure that people with disabilities have access to assistive technology devices and services. Find your state’s AT program! http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/STATUTE-118/pdf/STATUTE-118-Pg1707.pdf
Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) is a document from the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education (published in October 2013). This state document contains the compliance requirements and standards that Michigan public agencies must provide in regards to Special Education. http://michigan.gov/documents/mde/MARSE_Supplemented_with_IDEA_Regs_379598_7.pdf
Wrightslaw is a website where parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys go for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities. www.wrightslaw.com
Special Education Laws and Policies http://michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-6530_6598_7376—,00.html
Wrightslaw is a website where parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys go for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities. www.wrightslaw.com
Special Education Laws and Policies http://michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-6530_6598_7376—,00.html
Know the IEP process
An Educator and Parent Primer on Special Education Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Definitions http://doe.sd.gov/oess/documents/sped_advisory_Acronym_Primer.pdf
Individual Educational Plan Team (IEP Team) IDEA Statute: TITLE I / B / 614 / d / 1 / B, Definition of IEP Team http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cstatute%2CI%2CB%2C614%2Cd%2C1%2CB%2C
Individual Educational Plan (IEP) IDEA Sec. 300.320, Definition of IEP http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cregs%2C300%2CD%2C300%252E320%2C
IEP Explained by The Special Education Guide http://www.specialeducationguide.com/pre-k-12/individualized-education-programs-iep/the-iep-process-explained/
Wrightslaw IEP has FAQ, Pop-Ups & Checklists,Tactics & Strategies, Law and Regulations, Special Education Cases, Good Books about IEPs, Surviving Due Process, and Free Pubs & Resources! http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/iep.index.htm
Transportation, The IDEA, at 20 U.S.C. § 1401(a)(22), explains that transportation is a “related service” for students who are identified with a disability under that law. The link below will provide an excellent guide, http://doe.sd.gov/oess/documents/SPED_Transportation_Guide.pdf
How to Request a One-to-One Aide for Your Child by Wayne Steedman, Esq. http://fcsn.org/pti/topics/iep/tools/request_aide.pdf
An Educator and Parent Primer on Special Education Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Definitions http://doe.sd.gov/oess/documents/sped_advisory_Acronym_Primer.pdf
Individual Educational Plan Team (IEP Team) IDEA Statute: TITLE I / B / 614 / d / 1 / B, Definition of IEP Team http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cstatute%2CI%2CB%2C614%2Cd%2C1%2CB%2C
Individual Educational Plan (IEP) IDEA Sec. 300.320, Definition of IEP http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cregs%2C300%2CD%2C300%252E320%2C
IEP Explained by The Special Education Guide http://www.specialeducationguide.com/pre-k-12/individualized-education-programs-iep/the-iep-process-explained/
Wrightslaw IEP has FAQ, Pop-Ups & Checklists,Tactics & Strategies, Law and Regulations, Special Education Cases, Good Books about IEPs, Surviving Due Process, and Free Pubs & Resources! http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/iep.index.htm
Transportation, The IDEA, at 20 U.S.C. § 1401(a)(22), explains that transportation is a “related service” for students who are identified with a disability under that law. The link below will provide an excellent guide, http://doe.sd.gov/oess/documents/SPED_Transportation_Guide.pdf
How to Request a One-to-One Aide for Your Child by Wayne Steedman, Esq. http://fcsn.org/pti/topics/iep/tools/request_aide.pdf
Technology-Related Assistance
Assistive Technology http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/atech.index.htm
Michigan’s Integrated Technology Supports (MITS) provides information services, support materials, and technical assistance to local and intermediate school districts in Michigan to increase their capacity to address the needs of students with disabilities for assistive technology. http://mits.cenmi.org/
MITS provides information about state-of-the-art technology, daily living devices, equipment, and the identification of assistive technology solutions for children with disabilities. The MITS staff research resources and provide current information on products, services, and service providers in the field of assistive technology.
MITS also maintains a collection of catalogs, reprints, and publications that aid assistive technology personnel in the schools. In addition, MITS provides in-services, workshops, seminars, and training opportunities for education professionals and others. MITS also maintains a software and equipment lending library. MITS.
AdvocacyThe Michigan Alliance for Families (734) 994-8100 Ext. 1590 MAF is a statewide information center that can provide parents of students with disabilities the information they need to advocate for their own children and connect parents with advocates in their own community. This is always a great place to start.
The Arc Michigan The mission of The Arc Michigan is to ensure that people with Developmental Disabilities are valued in order that they and their families can participate fully in and contribute to their community.(517) 487-5426 or (800) 292-7851 www.arcmi.org
Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service 4095 Legacy Parkway, suite 500 Lansing, MI 48911-4263 www.mpas.org 1-800-288-5923 MPAS provides education, advocacy and legal assistance for individuals with a disability.
University of Michigan Law School Pediatric Advocacy Clinic (734) 763-1942 The Pediatric Advocacy Clinic (PAC) is a medical-legal partnership that practices at both the federal and state level in courts, administrative agencies, and local school districts. Casework includes domestic violence and family law, special education, public benefits, and low-income housing.
Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Education 1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 325 Cleveland, OH 44115-1812 ( 216) 522-4970 FAX: (216) 522-2573; TDD: 800-877-8339 Email: [email protected] The mission of the Office for Civil Rights is to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation through vigorous enforcement of civil rights.
Mediation is available throughout the state for free for special education disputes. A trained mediator can help improve communication, avoid conflict, ensure everyone’s voice is heard and establish productive relationships. Great for families with longstanding challenges with districts — or anytime things seem “stuck.” For more information, call 1-800-8RESOLVE or see http://msemp.cenmi.org/
STATE RESOURCES
Michigan Department of Education Official website provides information about the department including a phone directory, reports, and resources from various offices throughout Michigan. www.michigan.gov/mde
Project Perform provides information, resources, and support to empower individuals, families, professionals, and communities to enhance outcomes for children and young adults with special needs in Michigan. http://www.bridges4kids.org/pdf/PERFORMBrochure.pdf
Northern Lakes Community Mental Health (CMH) serves people with mental illness, emotional disturbance and developmental disabilities living in these six Michigan counties: Crawford, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Missaukee, Roscommon, and Wexford. Priority is given to individuals with the most severe forms of serious mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, and developmental disability. Community Mental Health 105 Hall St. Unit A Traverse City, MI 49684 www.northernlakescmh.org (231) 922-4850
Respite care info
http://michigan.gov/documents/A_Family_Guide_to_Respite_139866_7.pdf
Family Support Subsidy Program- Provided through Northern Lakes Community Mental Health. The Family Support Subsidy is one of an array of community-based, family-centered support services that makes it possible for children with developmental disabilities to remain with and to return to their birth or adoptive families. The subsidy provides a monthly stipend ($222.11) that the family must spend on special needs that occur as a result of caring for a child with a severe disability at home.
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/brochure03(english)_92625_7.pdf
Assistive Technology http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/atech.index.htm
Michigan’s Integrated Technology Supports (MITS) provides information services, support materials, and technical assistance to local and intermediate school districts in Michigan to increase their capacity to address the needs of students with disabilities for assistive technology. http://mits.cenmi.org/
MITS provides information about state-of-the-art technology, daily living devices, equipment, and the identification of assistive technology solutions for children with disabilities. The MITS staff research resources and provide current information on products, services, and service providers in the field of assistive technology.
MITS also maintains a collection of catalogs, reprints, and publications that aid assistive technology personnel in the schools. In addition, MITS provides in-services, workshops, seminars, and training opportunities for education professionals and others. MITS also maintains a software and equipment lending library. MITS.
AdvocacyThe Michigan Alliance for Families (734) 994-8100 Ext. 1590 MAF is a statewide information center that can provide parents of students with disabilities the information they need to advocate for their own children and connect parents with advocates in their own community. This is always a great place to start.
The Arc Michigan The mission of The Arc Michigan is to ensure that people with Developmental Disabilities are valued in order that they and their families can participate fully in and contribute to their community.(517) 487-5426 or (800) 292-7851 www.arcmi.org
Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service 4095 Legacy Parkway, suite 500 Lansing, MI 48911-4263 www.mpas.org 1-800-288-5923 MPAS provides education, advocacy and legal assistance for individuals with a disability.
University of Michigan Law School Pediatric Advocacy Clinic (734) 763-1942 The Pediatric Advocacy Clinic (PAC) is a medical-legal partnership that practices at both the federal and state level in courts, administrative agencies, and local school districts. Casework includes domestic violence and family law, special education, public benefits, and low-income housing.
Office for Civil Rights U.S. Department of Education 1350 Euclid Avenue, Suite 325 Cleveland, OH 44115-1812 ( 216) 522-4970 FAX: (216) 522-2573; TDD: 800-877-8339 Email: [email protected] The mission of the Office for Civil Rights is to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation through vigorous enforcement of civil rights.
Mediation is available throughout the state for free for special education disputes. A trained mediator can help improve communication, avoid conflict, ensure everyone’s voice is heard and establish productive relationships. Great for families with longstanding challenges with districts — or anytime things seem “stuck.” For more information, call 1-800-8RESOLVE or see http://msemp.cenmi.org/
STATE RESOURCES
Michigan Department of Education Official website provides information about the department including a phone directory, reports, and resources from various offices throughout Michigan. www.michigan.gov/mde
Project Perform provides information, resources, and support to empower individuals, families, professionals, and communities to enhance outcomes for children and young adults with special needs in Michigan. http://www.bridges4kids.org/pdf/PERFORMBrochure.pdf
Northern Lakes Community Mental Health (CMH) serves people with mental illness, emotional disturbance and developmental disabilities living in these six Michigan counties: Crawford, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Missaukee, Roscommon, and Wexford. Priority is given to individuals with the most severe forms of serious mental illness, serious emotional disturbance, and developmental disability. Community Mental Health 105 Hall St. Unit A Traverse City, MI 49684 www.northernlakescmh.org (231) 922-4850
Respite care info
http://michigan.gov/documents/A_Family_Guide_to_Respite_139866_7.pdf
Family Support Subsidy Program- Provided through Northern Lakes Community Mental Health. The Family Support Subsidy is one of an array of community-based, family-centered support services that makes it possible for children with developmental disabilities to remain with and to return to their birth or adoptive families. The subsidy provides a monthly stipend ($222.11) that the family must spend on special needs that occur as a result of caring for a child with a severe disability at home.
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/brochure03(english)_92625_7.pdf
Supplemental Security Income
http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/
This booklet is for the parents, caregivers or representatives of children younger than age 18 who have disabilities that might make them eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. It is also for adults who became disabled in childhood and who might be entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. (We call this SSDI benefit a “child’s” benefit because it is paid on a parent’s Social Security earnings record.)
This booklet will help you decide if your child, or a child you know, might be eligible for SSI or Social Security.
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf
http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/
This booklet is for the parents, caregivers or representatives of children younger than age 18 who have disabilities that might make them eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. It is also for adults who became disabled in childhood and who might be entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. (We call this SSDI benefit a “child’s” benefit because it is paid on a parent’s Social Security earnings record.)
This booklet will help you decide if your child, or a child you know, might be eligible for SSI or Social Security.
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf
Michigan Department of Community Health
This link will bring you to a map of Michigan. Select your county and receive phone numbers for access to local service providers.
http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,4612,7-132-2941_4868_4899-178824–,00.html
This link will bring you to a map of Michigan. Select your county and receive phone numbers for access to local service providers.
http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,4612,7-132-2941_4868_4899-178824–,00.html
Programs for Children with Special Health Care Needs
Children’s Special Health Care Services Division Michigan Department of Community Health 320 S. Walnut
Lansing MI 48913
(517) 241-7186
(800) 359-3722
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.michigan.gov/cshcs
Children’s Special Health Care Services Division Michigan Department of Community Health 320 S. Walnut
Lansing MI 48913
(517) 241-7186
(800) 359-3722
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.michigan.gov/cshcs
State CHIP Program
(health care for low-income uninsured children) MIChild P.O. Box 30412
Lansing MI 48909
(888) 988-6300
(888) 263-5897 (TTY)
www.michigan.gov/mdch/1,1607,7-132-2943_4845_4931—,00.html
(health care for low-income uninsured children) MIChild P.O. Box 30412
Lansing MI 48909
(888) 988-6300
(888) 263-5897 (TTY)
www.michigan.gov/mdch/1,1607,7-132-2943_4845_4931—,00.html
State Department of Education: Special Education
Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services Michigan Department of Education P.O. Box 30008
Lansing MI 48909-7508
(517) 373-0923
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.michigan.gov/mde
Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services Michigan Department of Education P.O. Box 30008
Lansing MI 48909-7508
(517) 373-0923
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.michigan.gov/mde
State Coordinator for NCLB (No Child Left Behind)
Office of School Improvement Michigan Department of Education P.O. Box 30008
Lansing MI 48909-7508
(517) 241-3147
www.michigan.gov/mde
Office of School Improvement Michigan Department of Education P.O. Box 30008
Lansing MI 48909-7508
(517) 241-3147
www.michigan.gov/mde
Programs for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities: Ages Birth through 2
Michigan Department of Education Office of Early Childhood Education and Family Services P.O. Box 30008
Lansing MI 48909
(517) 335-4865
(800) 327-5966
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.1800earlyon.org
Michigan Department of Education Office of Early Childhood Education and Family Services P.O. Box 30008
Lansing MI 48909
(517) 335-4865
(800) 327-5966
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.1800earlyon.org
State Special Education Funding for Children with Disabilities: Ages Birth Through 26
Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services Michigan Department of Education P.O. Box 30008
Lansing MI 48909
(517) 373-0923
Email: [email protected]
Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services Michigan Department of Education P.O. Box 30008
Lansing MI 48909
(517) 373-0923
Email: [email protected]
Councils on Developmental Disabilities
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council 1033 S. Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor
Lansing MI 48910
(517) 334-6123
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.michigan.gov/ddcouncil
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council 1033 S. Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor
Lansing MI 48910
(517) 334-6123
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.michigan.gov/ddcouncil
Technology-Related Assistance
MATR: Michigan’s Assistive Technology Resource 1023 South US 27
St. Johns MI 48879-2423
(989) 224-0333 (V/TTY)
(800) 274-7426 (nationwide)
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.cenmi.org/matr
MATR: Michigan’s Assistive Technology Resource 1023 South US 27
St. Johns MI 48879-2423
(989) 224-0333 (V/TTY)
(800) 274-7426 (nationwide)
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.cenmi.org/matr
State Mediation System
Michigan Special Education Mediation Program 229 N. Pine Street
Lansing MI 48933
(517) 485-2274
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.cenmi.org/msemp
Michigan Special Education Mediation Program 229 N. Pine Street
Lansing MI 48933
(517) 485-2274
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.cenmi.org/msemp
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
The Arc Michigan 1325 S. Washington Avenue
Lansing MI 48910
(517) 487-5426
(800) 292-7851
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.arcmi.org
The Arc Michigan 1325 S. Washington Avenue
Lansing MI 48910
(517) 487-5426
(800) 292-7851
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.arcmi.org
Learning Disabilities
Learning Disabilities Association of Michigan 200 Museum Drive, Suite 101
Lansing MI 48933-1914
(517) 485-8160
(888) 597-7809
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ldaofmichigan.org
Learning Disabilities Association of Michigan 200 Museum Drive, Suite 101
Lansing MI 48933-1914
(517) 485-8160
(888) 597-7809
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ldaofmichigan.org
Mental Health
Association for Children’s Mental Health 100 W. Washtenaw, Suite 4
Lansing MI 48933
(517) 372-4016
(888) 226-4543 (Parent line)
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.acmh-mi.org
Association for Children’s Mental Health 100 W. Washtenaw, Suite 4
Lansing MI 48933
(517) 372-4016
(888) 226-4543 (Parent line)
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.acmh-mi.org
Speech, Language, and Hearing
Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association 790 W. Lake Lansing Road, Suite 500A
East Lansing MI 48823
(517) 332-5691
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.michiganspeechhearing.org
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.tsa-michigan.org
Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association 790 W. Lake Lansing Road, Suite 500A
East Lansing MI 48823
(517) 332-5691
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.michiganspeechhearing.org
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.tsa-michigan.org
Organizations for Parents
Parent Training and Information Center (PTI)
Citizens Alliance to Uphold Special Education (CAUSE) 5668 N. Okemos Road
East Lansing MI 48823-2999
(517) 886-9167
(800) 221-9105 (in MI)
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.causeonline.org
Citizens Alliance to Uphold Special Education (CAUSE) 5668 N. Okemos Road
East Lansing MI 48823-2999
(517) 886-9167
(800) 221-9105 (in MI)
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.causeonline.org
Michigan Alliance for Families Lansing Main Office
1325 S. Washington Avenue
Lansing MI 48910
(517) 487-5426
(800) 292-7851
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/
1325 S. Washington Avenue
Lansing MI 48910
(517) 487-5426
(800) 292-7851
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/
Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, Inc.
4095 Legacy Pkwy Ste 500
Lansing, MI 48911-4264
P: (517) 487-1755, (800) 288-5923(Voice or TTY)
F: (517) 487-0827 Web: http://www.mpas.org/
Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, Inc. is the federally mandated
protection and advocacy system for Michigan which receives part of its
funding from the Administration on the Developmental Disabilities, the
Center for Mental Health Services – Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration, the Rehabilitation Services Administration, and
the Social Security Administration.
An Advocate’s Manual
“Special Education: An Advocate’s Manual,” is MPAS’ guide to the rights and laws that govern special education and other rights of children with disabilities in Michigan. Each chapter includes a brief summary, a list of “Advocacy Hints,” detailed descriptions of state and federal rights, sample letters and forms (including the Michigan Department of Education’s model IEP form), and resources for more information. The manual is divided into 15 chapters and can be downloaded or ordered in hard copy by contacting MPAS.
http://www.mpas.org/resources/special-education-manual
Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth Michigan Commission on Disability
Concerns and Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing 201 N. Washington Square, Suite 150
Lansing MI 48913
(517) 335-6004 (V/TTY);
(877) 499-6232
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.mcdc-dodhh.org
Independent Living
To find out the contact information for the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) in your state, contact: Independent Living Research Utilization Project The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research 2323 South Sheppard, Suite 1000
Houston TX 77019
(713) 520-0232 (V)
(713) 520-5136 (TTY)
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ilru.org
To find out the contact information for centers for independent living (CILs) in your state, contact: National Council on Independent Living 1710 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, 5th Floor
Washington DC 20036
(202) 207-0334 (V)
(202) 207-0340 (TTY)
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ncil.org
4095 Legacy Pkwy Ste 500
Lansing, MI 48911-4264
P: (517) 487-1755, (800) 288-5923(Voice or TTY)
F: (517) 487-0827 Web: http://www.mpas.org/
Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, Inc. is the federally mandated
protection and advocacy system for Michigan which receives part of its
funding from the Administration on the Developmental Disabilities, the
Center for Mental Health Services – Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration, the Rehabilitation Services Administration, and
the Social Security Administration.
An Advocate’s Manual
“Special Education: An Advocate’s Manual,” is MPAS’ guide to the rights and laws that govern special education and other rights of children with disabilities in Michigan. Each chapter includes a brief summary, a list of “Advocacy Hints,” detailed descriptions of state and federal rights, sample letters and forms (including the Michigan Department of Education’s model IEP form), and resources for more information. The manual is divided into 15 chapters and can be downloaded or ordered in hard copy by contacting MPAS.
http://www.mpas.org/resources/special-education-manual
Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth Michigan Commission on Disability
Concerns and Division on Deaf and Hard of Hearing 201 N. Washington Square, Suite 150
Lansing MI 48913
(517) 335-6004 (V/TTY);
(877) 499-6232
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.mcdc-dodhh.org
Independent Living
To find out the contact information for the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) in your state, contact: Independent Living Research Utilization Project The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research 2323 South Sheppard, Suite 1000
Houston TX 77019
(713) 520-0232 (V)
(713) 520-5136 (TTY)
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ilru.org
To find out the contact information for centers for independent living (CILs) in your state, contact: National Council on Independent Living 1710 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, 5th Floor
Washington DC 20036
(202) 207-0334 (V)
(202) 207-0340 (TTY)
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ncil.org
Sample Letters
The following link contains sample letters that can be used when facing a number of situations. These letters are simply suggestions for the reader and should be modified as needed to fit the reader’s individual facts and situation.
If you have questions concerning the use of these letters, please contact ISBE at 217-782-5589 or 866-262-6663 and ask to speak with a consultant who can provide further information.
http://www.isbe.net/spec-ed/pdfs/parent_guide/appendix_a-sample_ltrs.pdf
Michigan Legal Help
http://michiganlegalhelp.org
http://mi.lawhelp.org/
If you have questions concerning the use of these letters, please contact ISBE at 217-782-5589 or 866-262-6663 and ask to speak with a consultant who can provide further information.
http://www.isbe.net/spec-ed/pdfs/parent_guide/appendix_a-sample_ltrs.pdf
Michigan Legal Help
http://michiganlegalhelp.org
http://mi.lawhelp.org/