MiPAAC

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

2026.0209 Autism Alliance Public Comment on IDEA Part B_significant disproportionality Colleen Allen, Ph.D. President and CEO Board of Directors Colette Rizik Chair Sweta Alberta Julie Bullock Brian Calley Bruce Dall Nate DeBoe Stephen D’Arcy Amy Fangboner Ron Fournier Jeff Gebhar...

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.

Education Initiatives - Autism Alliance of Michigan AAoM Education Pillar AAoM Education PillarAAoM's Education pillar drives initiatives that address systemic barriers to education, focuses on student-centered advocacy, and educates families on relate...

Learn more about AAoM Education Initiatives autismallianceofmichigan.org/education-in...

Contact MiNavigator - Autism Alliance of Michigan MiNavigator: Resources for Your Autism Journey What is MiNavigator? MiNavigator is a free resource identification service. This service is made up of an interdisciplinary team of professionals, rangin...

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.🏫

Dr. Charles Bell's Book Release Party! Join us for a virtual Book Release Party! Our long time collaborator and friend, Dr. Charles Bell, has written a new book, No Restraint: Disabled Children & Institutionalized Violence in America’s...

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.

The MI Blueprint would:

✅ Modernize special education funding
✅ Support earlier intervention
✅ Address root causes of the school-to-prison pipeline

tinyurl.com/MI-Blueprint...

The Michigan Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint offers a path forward. Developed with bipartisan legislative support and input from educators, families, disability advocates — including partners like the Michigan Center for Youth Justice.

Report: MI special-ed funding gaps linked to 'school-to-justice pipeline' Advocates say one of the strongest predictors of whether a child ends up in Michigan’s juvenile justice system starts in underfunded special-education classrooms, where support is stretched thin.A pro...

This is the well-known school-to-prison pipeline.

🔗 Read more and follow the conversation: app.publicnewsservice.org/story/report...?

#EducationEquity #JuvenileJusticeReform

“When we look at the population of justice-involved youth, so many of them have either identified — or very often un-identified — connections with disability,” said Heather Eckner, Director of Statewide Education at The Autism Alliance of Michigan.

Image of school age children with text that says 'Public News Service. Chrystal Blair January 21, 2026 MI special-ed funding gaps linked to 'school-to-justice pipeline' with the bridge logo for the Autism Alliance of Michigan.

Underfunded Special Education Has Real Consequences
A new article from Public News Service highlights a critical reality in Michigan: One of the strongest predictors of whether a child enters the juvenile justice system often starts with underfunded special education systems. 🧵⬇️

Michigan can fix special education funding by aligning resources with what students truly need. The MI Blueprint shows how to get there.

Tell Michigan policymakers to support the MI Blueprint special education funding reform. Link to action alert: win.newmode.net/autismallian...

Image for Michigan's Children "Lunch & Learn" event on the MI Special Education Blueprint: Improving educational outcomes for students with disabilities through a more equitable funding system Register here Join host Matt Gillard, President & CEO of Michigan's Children, and panelists for a lively discussion. Michigan's Children Lunch & Learn. Event details include: Wednesday, January 28, Noon to 1 PM, "Register here" alongside a QR code. Panelists listed: Heather Eckner, Autism Alliance of Michigan, Director of Statewide Education Max Marchitello, Special Education Blueprint Project, Finance Consultant, AmyBarto, Barto, MiPAAC, Parent/Advocate Member'

Join us tomorrow!

Michigan's Children Lunch & Learn on the MI Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint.

Wednesday, January 28

Noon–1 PM | Live on Zoom

Scan the QR code or click the link to register. us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

Promotional flyer for Michigan's Children "Lunch & Learn" event titled "MI Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint." Features headshots and names of three panelists: Max Marchitello (MVM Consulting), Heather Eckner (Autism Alliance of Michigan), and Amy Barto (Learning Disabilities Association of Michigan). Includes MiPAAC logo and the heading "Meet The Panel."

Flyer for Michigan's Children "Lunch & Learn" event titled "MI Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint." Includes event details: Wednesday, January 28, Noon to 1 PM, live on Zoom. Features a QR code labeled "SCAN HERE" for registration and displays the MiPAAC logo.

Michigan is rethinking how we fund special education—
Don’t miss this Lunch & Learn featuring statewide experts breaking down the MI Blueprint.

Register today to join us live on Zoom.
Jan 28, Noon–1 PM (Zoom)

us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

w/ Michigan's Children

#FundStudentsNotSystems

Image of a book cover with text that says 'WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE CHAOS or COMMUNITY? MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. FOREWORD BY CORETTA SCOTT KING'

A reflection for this moment, A call for this time.

On MLK Day, we return to a question Dr. King posed nearly 60 years ago—Where do we go from here: chaos or community?

📖 Read the blog post here: mipaac.org/where-do-we-...

With resolve and hope in action. 💙🤍💚

It’s time to move beyond the status quo and establish an equitable funding system that supports every learner.

🔗 Join the call for fair, effective special education funding for all Michigan students: win.newmode.net/autismallian...

#FundingReform #SystemChange #MiPAAC #AAoM

The current reimbursement model shortchanges districts and leaves students with similar needs receiving very different services because of where they live.

The MI Blueprint offers a solution: a weighted, needs-based model that ties resources to student need, not ZIP code.

New year, new priorities: It’s time to fix Michigan’s special education funding • Michigan Advance A fresh year is the time to reflect on the one before, let go of the status quo and embrace new habits. As Michiganders set their intentions for 2026, the state Legislature is setting its intention fo...

📢New Year, New Priorities!
As the MI legislature begins a new session, and lawmakers set their budget priorities for 26–27, one thing is clear:

Our special education funding system must be fixed!
🔗 Read more Michigan Advance: michiganadvance.com/2026/01/13/n...
@michleague.bsky.social #MiBlueprint

Promotional flyer for a Zoom event titled "MI Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint," hosted by @Michigan's Children and MiPAAC. The flyer invites participants to a Lunch & Learn session on Wednesday, January 28 from noon to 1 PM, focusing on equitable funding and improved outcomes for students with disabilities. Includes a QR code for registration and logos for Michigan's Children and MiPAAC, powered by Autism Alliance.

Join us for a Lunch & Learn hosted by Michigan’s Children on the MI Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint. Learn how fair funding can improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Jan 28, Noon–1 PM (Zoom)

Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

#MIBlueprint #FundStudentsNotSystems

Education Week's 2025 Word of the Year Is ... Trump's efforts to reshape the federal role in education caused uncertainty for schools.

🧠 What’s your word for 2025?

Share a word (or phrase) that captures your experience or priorities in education this year: a challenge we faced, a value we stood for, or something that gives you hope as we look toward 2026.

🔗 edweek.org/policy-polit...

#MiPAAC #2025Reflections

The conversation around this word reflects deep concerns about how we protect programs, supports, and systems that students and families rely on — including special education, civil rights enforcement, equitable funding, and community-based services.

#EducationAdvocacy

Image of fractured U.S. Department of Education logo as featured in this Education Week article on the 2025 Word of the Year: Dismantle. https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/education-weeks-2025-word-of-the-year-is/2025/12

🗣️Education Week’s 2025 Word of the Year: “Dismantle”

Education Week named “dismantle” as its 2025 Word of the Year—to capture the major trends shaping education this year: from federal reorganization debates to shifting funding priorities + policy upheaval in K-12 schools.

🧵