Come say hello, learn more about MiPAAC’s advocacy work, and find out how you can get involved in advancing systems change for students with disabilities across Michigan.
🔗 Learn more about MiPAAC: mipaac.org
#AAoM #DisabilityAdvocacy #SpecialEducation
If you’re attending today, be sure to stop by the #MiPAAC table at the resource fair! 👋
📸 Our team would love to connect with you:
✨ Alayna Ohneck, AAoM
-- Education Engagement Specialist
✨ Sara Grezlik, AAoM
-- Education Intern
MiPAAC is at the Navigating Autism Today Conference!
We’re excited to be part of the NATC today in Novi! Hosted by the Autism Alliance of Michigan, bringing together autistic individuals, families, educators, providers, and advocates for a day of learning, connection, and resources.
#MiPAAC
In closing, say:
Please let the Member know how important this issue is to me and to their other constituents who focus on and support children with disabilities and their families. Thank you for your time.
⚖️IDEA is a civil rights law.
📚Special education is education.
🛑 Protect it.
I would like the Member of Congress to call the Secretary of Education and ask that special education programs, including vocational rehabilitation and civil rights investigations, be kept at the Education Department.
Moving special education programs, vocational rehabilitation, and civil rights investigations out of ED will only lead to less educational opportunity for students with disabilities.
Special education programs are education programs first and should be administered by an agency that focuses on education.Other Departments like Health and Human Services and Labor don’t have experience running education programs that focus on educating and serving students with disabilities.
calling to express my opposition to the U.S. Department of Education moving special education, vocational rehabilitation, and civil rights functions out of the Education Department.
Once connected, use this suggested script to leave a message:
Hi, my name is _________ and I live in _______. I am a (parent of a child with a disability / advocate / concerned community member)
Even if you have already sent messages to Congress, we urge everyone to join the CALL-IN to have the most impact on this day!
☎️ Use the links (in comments) or call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.
Ask to be connected to your Senator(s) and Representative.
urging them to tell ED to protect children with disabilities and DO NOT MOVE special education programs such as IDEA, vocational rehabilitation, and OCR out of the Education Department.
While there is no announced date for this move, officials have stated they intend to make this change.
You can help by calling your U.S. Senators and U.S. Representative
and administration of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) from the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to a different federal agency.
Tell Congress: Protect Children with Disabilities — Oppose Moving IDEA out of ED. MiPAAC is joining advocacy groups across the country on March 5 for a National Call-In Day to oppose moving oversight
Image of the Michigan Capitol building with the logo for the MI Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint, along with a quote from Heather Eckner, Director of Statewide Education for the Autism Alliance of Michigan, “We are encouraged by Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s recommendation to implement the MI Blueprint framework as part of her 2027 budget. Michigan asked for a clear, data-driven plan to modernize special education funding, and the Blueprint delivers that framework. Including it in the budget signals an understanding that funding must better reflect student needs and provide stability for schools across the state. This is an important step toward ensuring students with disabilities and schools across Michigan have the resources they need to succeed. We look forward to working with the Legislature to see this framework translated into policy that delivers for students and schools statewide.”
Governor Whitmer’s budget includes key investments in literacy and student success. We’re encouraged by steps to implement the MI Blueprint, Michigan’s plan to modernize special education funding and better align resources with student needs.
🔗 autismallianceofmichigan.org/educat.../mi...
IDEA was designed to protect students with disabilities from exclusion and discrimination. Accountability mechanisms like Sig Dispro reporting are part of that promise.
Transparency is not optional.
Oversight is not excessive.
Civil rights protections should not be scaled back.
In Michigan, disparities in identification and discipline remain a pressing concern. Transparent, consistent federal reporting supports early detection of inequities and informed systems reform.
#AAoM #MiPAAC #SpecialEducation #Equity
AAoM’s position is clear:
This proposal is inconsistent with IDEA’s regulatory framework, weakens federal oversight, reduces transparency, and is not justified by any meaningful reduction in reporting burden.
📄 Read AAoM’s full public comment: tinyurl.com/AAoM-SigDisp...
Image of a classroom in background with text that says 'AUTISM ALLIANCE OF MICHIGAN Public Comment on Significant Disproportionality under IDEA Part B' with a logo for the U.S. Department of Education.
📢 AAoM Submits Strong Opposition to Proposed Elimination of IDEA Significant Disproportionality Data Collection
The Department’s proposal would discontinue required reporting of how states determine whether racial/ethnic disparities exist in special education: identification, placement, discipline.
Learn more about AAoM Education Initiatives autismallianceofmichigan.org/education-in...
Learn more about MiNavigator autismallianceofmichigan.org/contact-mina...
This role sits within the AAoM Education Department and reports to the Director of Statewide Education. It's ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of direct support + systems change.
🔎 View and apply on Indeed:
➡️ tinyurl.com/AAoM-Ed-Navi...
AAoM is hiring an Education Navigator who will:
✨ Support families through MiNavigator
✨ Navigate special education systems
✨ Contribute to education systems change + community convenings
✨ Engage in coalition + stakeholder efforts
✨ Bridge family experience with advocacy
Graphic that includes an Autism Alliance of Michigan (bridge) logo with text that says, 'Come Work With Us! Michigan Education Navigator Key Responsibilities: -Support Families; Navigate Special Education Systems; Strengthen Advocacy & Coalitions; Contribute to Statewide Education Initiatives; Advance Equity for Students with Disabilities Ready to Apply? Scan the QR code for the full role description and to apply or visit https://tinyurl.com/AAoM-Ed-Navigator-2026'
📣 We’re Hiring: Education Navigator
If you (or someone you know) is passionate about special education systems, family advocacy, and meaningful systems change in Michigan… this one is worth a look.
👨👩👧👦 Supporting Families. Strengthening Education Systems.🏫
During this virtual book release, Dr. Bell will explore how restraint and seclusion harm students with disabilities, why these practices are still used in schools, the anti-disability culture behind it all, and how families and advocates are working to end the harm.
tinyurl.com/Feb24-No-Res...
Flyer with a photograph of Dr. Charles Bell says, 'Virtual Book Launch Event' with logos of host organizations: Student Advocacy Center of Michigan, Michigan Parent, Advocate & Attorney Coalition (MiPAAC) and Michigan Center for Youth Justice (MCYJ). Description reads, 'We'll break down the harms of restraint and seclusion, why schools misuse these practices, how parents push back, and the anti-disability culture behind it all.' QR code to registration link: https://actionnetwork.org/events/dr-charles-bells-book-release-party?source=direct_link&
Virtual Book Launch Event📚
Join us for a virtual book launch featuring Dr. Charles Bell, author of No Restraint.
🗓️ Event details
DATE: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
TIME: 7-8:30 PM ET
ZOOM
>> Register here: tinyurl.com/Feb24-No-Res...
#MiPAAC #NoRestraint #DisabilityJustice #EndRestraint
An outdated system leaves districts without the resources students need.
📌 The Blueprint has been delivered to the Legislature & Gov. Whitmer and is under consideration now.
🔗https://tinyurl.com/MI-Blueprint-Report
#MIBlueprint #FundStudentsNotSystems
Michigan currently reimburses only ~30% of special education costs, among the lowest in the nation.
