Autism Alliance of Michigan

Introducing our AAoM Training Series for March! Register for the one(s) you're most excited about at https://lnkd.in/gDipZPZn!

This week, the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) provided public comment at the Michigan State Board of Education meeting on the findings from the Special Education Experience (SEE) Survey—calling for urgent action to address Michigan’s ranking among the worst in the nation for graduation rates of students with disabilities. AAoM outlined key recommendations for state leaders and policymakers to address these unacceptable disparities to achieve our 10-year goal: Students with disabilities graduating at the same rate as their nondisabled peers. The SEE Survey represents the collective voice of students with disabilities and families across Michigan. AAoM is dedicated to elevating lived experience, identifying systemic barriers, and amplifying the voices of parents & students with disabilities, while urging the State Board of Education to address the critical challenges within our education system for youth with disabilities. Read AAoM’s public comment here: https://lnkd.in/gKhYTSSx Read the SEE Survey report here: bit.ly/AAOM-SEE #MiSEEsurvey #EducationEquity #SpecialEducation

Ready to start your career journey? Get inclusive support designed for job seekers with disabilities! Apply Here! https://lnkd.in/gb98dbcK SEMCA Michigan Works! WayneLINC

Tackle It Tuesday: tips personally written by an autistic employee at AAoM! To celebrate the new year, I've added another element to this, and it's about independent living! This time, we're discussing credit cards and credit scores! Read previous entries at: https://bit.ly/3DRtop3

"Secretary McMahon and the Department must be held accountable for harmful actions taken to obstruct families’ access to OCR’s complaint investigation process,” stated COPAA’s legal director and co-counsel, Selene Almazan. The Autism Alliance of Michigan applauds the National Center for Youth Law and Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc. (COPAA) in filing a federal lawsuit on behalf of two parents who have pending claims with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) as well as COPAA. It asks the judge to order OCR to continue conducting civil rights investigations, as required by law, and for OCR to provide periodic updates to the court about its efforts to process and investigate civil rights complaints. Read the MiPAAC advocacy blog post about the lawsuit here: https://lnkd.in/daQvKZsc

What’s at stake if Medicaid is cut? ?7.8M could lose access to home and community-based care. ?17M disabled and older Americans would be at risk. ?Families would be forced to shoulder the cost. Tell Congress: No cuts to Medicaid! https://lnkd.in/e_Av6UzD #SaveMedicaid

Have you faced challenges getting the Medicaid services you need? Have unnecessary rules or delays made it harder to access care? Your experience can help push for real change. By sharing your story, you can help improve Michigan’s Medicaid system for yourself and others. Visit: https://lnkd.in/gAPY2mXj Learn more, and add your voice! #PeopleOverPaperwork

Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is launching an initiative designed to improve access to quality behavioral health care. As part of this effort, MDHHS is seeking public input through an online survey. Take the survey here: bit.ly/4ksZyrl

Grosse Pointe Theatre is hosting a sensory friendly live performance for the SpongeBob Musical on the weekend of April 11-13th! Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a welcoming and comfortable arts experience for people with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other social, learning or cognitive disabilities. This will include house lighting, lower sound levels, and the ability to move around as needed during the performance. For more information, visit gpt.org/sponge!

The statewide, non-partisan coalition, Michigan Partnership for Equity and Opportunity (MPEO), including the Autism Alliance of Michigan, responds to planned changes to U.S. Department of Education. The Trump administration’s plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education puts over 217,000 Michigan students with disabilities at risk: “The federal government’s role as a watchdog is particularly important in Michigan to ensure services are being met for all students, which is especially important for students with disabilities,” said Colleen M. Allen, Ph.D., President & CEO, Autism Alliance of MI. “It provides an important voice for parents, students and families when local school systems do not meet their needs or even disregard them. Federal oversight incentivizes districts to pay attention to and improve academic performance for all of their students. Without this oversight, schools may not be held accountable for meeting all students’ needs. Furthermore, dollars could be spent without any requirement that they be used for the services — and the students — for which they are intended.” The U.S. Department of Education also plays a crucial role in funding and enforcing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Title I programs. Without it, vulnerable students may lose essential services and protections. MPEO and AAoM urge the federal government to maintain funding, support, data, transparency, and oversight to ensure all students can get the education they are entitled to. Read MPEO’s full statement here: https://lnkd.in/gnskHatb #MPEO #IDEA #SpecialEducation