AAPAC provides the list below as a resource, but does not endorse any organization or website.
Index of topics:
- AAPAC – that is, us!
- AAPS – Ann Arbor Public Schools
- Advocacy / Mediation / Dispute Resolution
- Advocates
- ADD and ADHD
- Allergies
- Art Therapy
- Assistive Technology
- Attorneys
- Autism
- Behavioral Issues
- Blindness and Visual Impairment
- Brain Injury
- Camp – for kids with special needs
- Celiac & Gluten-Free
- Cerebral Palsy
- Community Centers
- Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI)
- Counseling
- Deafness and Hearing Impairment
- Dentists (and Orthodontists) – local, for kids with special needs
- Developmental Disabilities
- Developmental Pediatricians
- Diabetes
- Doctors for Adults with Disabilities
- Down Syndrome
- Dyslexia
- Early Childhood / Infancy / Preschool
- Epilepsy
- Evaluations
- Executive Skills Coaching
- Fetal Alcohol
- Financing a disability
- Food allergies
- Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
- Inclusion and Empowerment
- Independent Living
- Laws and Rights
- Lawyers
- Learning Disabilities
- Mental Health / Mental Illness
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Neurologists
- Occupational Therapy
- Parenting Classes
- Pediatricians
- Physical Therapy
- Psychiatrists
- Recreation Therapy
- Social Skills Groups
- Siblings of kids with special needs
- Speech Therapy
- Swimming – adaptive swim resources for kids with special needs
- Testing
- Therapy
- Toilet Training
- Tourette’s Syndrome
- Transition to Adulthood / Turning 18
- Vision – including Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI)
- WISD – Washtenaw Intermediate School District
- Other Topics
AAPAC – that is, us!
AAPS – Ann Arbor Public Schools
- AAPS Office of Special Education Administrator Responsibility Chart 2022-23 – this shows who to contact to troubleshoot IEP/504 issues if you can’t resolve it with the school team/principal.
- WISD Compliance and Monitoring – has various documents available.
- Student Support Resources – hotlines to report bullying, sexual assault, and other complaints and grievances
- Classroom Visitation Process – for when your child is going to move to a new classroom and you want to visit first
- Personal Curriculum Alternative
- AAPS and the Third Grade Reading Law
Advocacy / Mediation / Dispute Resolution
Also see our list of advocates, below.
- Michigan Department of Education: Special Education Problem Solving Process
- Disability Rights Michigan – Special Education: An Advocate’s Manual
- Disability Rights Michigan
- Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER)
- Student Advocacy Center of Michigan
- The Dispute Resolution Center (DRC)
- University of Michigan Law School Pediatric Advocacy Clinic
- Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy (WACA)
- Michigan Special Education Mediation Program (MSEMP)
- iAdvocate — a free advocacy app for parents, families, and advocates
- MiPAAC – Michigan Parent, Advocate, & Attorney Coalition
Advocates:
- Marcie Lipsitt – 248-514-2101 – marcielipsitt@outlook.com
- The Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) has a member directory. www.copaa.org/search/default.asp?
- Wrightslaw has a “Yellow Pages for Kids” resource listing by state. Here’s the one for Michigan: www.yellowpagesforkids.com/help/mi.htm
- The Michigan Alliance for Families www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org | 1-800-552-4821 | info@michiganallianceforfamilies.org . They have parent mentors and tons of information available on their website.
- Debora Blake at ACCESS Education Advocacy – 1-888-834-4340 – deborablake@aol.com
- Student Advocacy Center of Michigan, serves Washtenaw County, as well as Wayne and Jackson. No cost to those eligible for free or reduced lunch, 734-482-0489 contact@studentadvocacycenter.org
- Holly A. Brommer – 586-707-9033 – princesspal01@gmail.com
- Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy. 734-662-1256
- Christine Rans – ransconsulting@comcast.net or 810-923-5620 – www.totallysocialasd.com/about-uscontact-us.html (scroll down to find her)
- Marcy Epstein at Ann Arbor Educational Associates – annarboreducationa.wixsite.com/home – or send a text to (734) 972-6272 – annarboreducationalassoc@gmail.com
- Attorney Laura Athens lathenslaw.com
- Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy
- Also see our list of More advocates
ADD and ADHD
- Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD)
- Ann Arbor Area ADHD/ADD Meetup Support Group
- ArborADHD – a group for families in the Ann Arbor area with a child or young adult with ADHD.
- Understanding and Managing ADHD – Free online Parent and Guardian Workshop – October 11, 2022
Allergies
- ArborKidsAllergies – an e-mail list for families of local kids with allergies to connect with each other
- Group for college students with food allergies
- NNMG Food Allergic Families of Ann Arbor
Art Therapy
- Johanna Mabry – specializes in autism – LMSW, MEd, ATR 734-657-8978 Jomabry@yahoo.com
- Susan Menard
Assistive Technology
- Michigan’s Integrated Technology Supports (MITS) – now called Alt+Shift
- Assistive Technology through Washtenaw Intermediate School District
- AAPS Assistive Technology Services
- Assistive Technology at the Ann Arbor District Library
- AAC Parents Group at WISD – Join other parents to discuss AAC use at home and school, supported by WISD staff.
Attorneys
See Lawyers
Autism
- A2Faces – Ann Arbor Families for Autistic Children’s Education and Support – e-mail list for local parents of kids with autism.
- The county-wide school system sometimes offers free Hanen classes to parents, which are full of ideas for fun ways to encourage a small child to communicate. The two classes are More Than Words (for parents of young children with communication difficulty who may or may not be on the autism spectrum) and Talkability (for parents of verbal kids on the autism spectrum). Also, you can find the books from the class at the Hanen book store. (Our AAPAC webmaster attended a More Than Words class and loved it, both for the useful information in the class and also for getting connected with other parents of children with special needs.)
- Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM)
- Autism Collaborative Center-EMU
- Autism Connections-Judson Center
- Autism Society of Michigan
- Statewide Autism Resources and Training (START)
- WISD sometimes offers START (Statewide Autism Resources and Training) – autism training
- Great Lakes Center for Autism Treatment and Research in Portage, MI (near Kalamazoo) – includes a residential program to help kids with severe behavior problems.
- Centria
- Arbor Autism Centers – has a team approach & includes support for teens.
- Also see the Therapy section of this page.
Behavioral Issues
- AAPS Behavior Intervention
- Safety Care Class Flyer and Safety Care Signup link
- ABA Insight
- Spectrum Therapy
- Dr. Barbara True Felt
- Ellen Taylor at Center For The Family
- University Center for the Child and Family (UCCF)
Brain Injury
Camp – for kids with special needs
- Summer Camps and Resources Directory For Kids With Social, Learning, Physical or Other Differences (Ann Arbor area) (last updated April 2015)
- ABA Insight ran a camp in the summers of 2018 and 2019 for kids with large special needs.
- List of camps from our March, 2019 meeting.
- The Ann Arbor Rec and Ed Camps will make some accommodations for kids with special needs — though they don’t have a program for the more severely impacted kids. If your child has an IEP and a parapro during the schoolyear, and if you ask four weeks in advance, Rec & Ed will supply an aide for your child at camp. Contact Rec & Ed for more information.
- The Ann Arbor Academy Summer Camp Program is especially friendly to kids with ADHD and autism.
- The 2019 list of camp resources from the Children’s Special Healthcare Services program
- Very Special Needs Summer Camps in Michigan
- Here is the schedule for several camps: Transplant Camp, Cardiology Camp, Epilepsy Camp, Sickle Cell / Pain Management Camp, Sibling Camp, and a teen camp.
- Honey Creek, Wide World Sports, and U of M’s KidSport each have camps that can be accommodating. Each has been known to accept kids with autism.
- In Rochester, Michigan, about an hour’s drive from Ann Arbor, Oakland University has a summer camp program for kids on the autism spectrum ages 3 through adult called OUCARES.
- 2023 Camp Scholarships from the State of Michigan.
Celiac & Gluten-Free
- Gluten-Free Ann Arbor – the local support group is an e-mail list and a Facebook group for people to connect with each other
Cerebral Palsy
Community Centers
- Work and Play Center is a special needs resource center in Ypsilanti providing a central location for therapy, gatherings, and information. Think of us as a hub for the special needs community.
Counseling
- Michigan Mental Health Networker’s list of Washtenaw County, MI Child & Adolescent Therapists, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Mental Health Organizations, Psychotherapy Groups, and Therapist Directory
- Connally Counseling – counseling for all people, by LGBTQIA-friendly therapists
Deafness and Hearing Impairment
- Deaf C.A.N.
- Michigan Coalition for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People
- Michigan Association for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MADHH)
- Michigan Deaf Association
- Michigan School for the Deaf
- Michigan Hands & Voices
- State of Michigan outreach to provide services to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Washtenaw ISD Deaf & Hard Of Hearing Program
- Parents of DHH Students in AAPS
- There is a Family Camp for school-aged kids who are deaf or hard of hearing and their families. You may need to do a web search (at the right time of year) to find it. Possibly it’s in February?
- WISD has DHH Teacher Consultants
- The Holley Institute’s Family Summer Program for families with kids who are Deaf, Deaf and Blind, or Hard of Hearing.
Dentists (and Orthodontists) – local, for kids with special needs
- Dr. Aimee Picard at Ann Arbor Pediatric Dentistry is extremely gentle and patient with kids with special needs. She will do a series of 20-minute “happy visits” where she slowly introduces a kid to dental appointments, if a kid needs that to feel comfortable at the dentist’s. (Not all of the other dentists at her office are like this — definitely ask for Dr. Aimee, or Dr. Max Auer.)
- Dr. Natalie Henke (on Stadium) is very slow and patient with kids with ASD.
- Nick Greashaber on Packard
- Pear Tree Dental in Saline
- The Dental Spa in Ypsi
- Dr. Cornish in Dexter
- Dr Sam at Canton Pediatric Dentistry specializes in children with special needs.
- Rosalyn Sarver, DDS at Ann Arbor Family Dentistry is reported to be patient with kids with behavioral challenges, and calm and gentle
- Tree Town Pediatric Dentistry – several parents recommend them, but note that they may charge extra for behavior management
- Ann Arbor Smiles – has a pediatric location
- Blossom Pediatric Dental
- Dr. Bowers at Dexter Dental Studio
- Tip: If your child likes weighted blankets, he or she may find it comforting to wear one of those lead x-ray shields at the dentist’s.
- Michigan offers free dental care to kids whose family meets income limits
- For orthodontia, Dr. Edwards and Schaefer are reported to be good with kids with sensory issues. Dr. Moenssen of Dexter Orthodontics knows about kids with special needs. Dr. Kim on Packard is good about explaining to anxious kids what to expect.
- One family loves orthodontist James Hinesly
- Also good recommendations for Stieper & Brust Orthodontics
Developmental Pediatricians
- Barbara True Felt
- Dr. Mark Bowers at Brighton Center for Pediatric Neurodevelopment
Developmental Disabilities
Diabetes
- U of M Pediatric Diabetes – has a list of local supports
- Diabetes Camps
Doctors for Adults with Disabilities
- MDisability is a collaborative family medicine program focused on improving the primary care of people with disabilities through medical education, research, clinical care, and community partnerships.
- Family Medicine Disability Friendly Providers – MDisability has developed this list for patients to find Family Medicine providers who either have experience or interest in providing primary care to patients with a disability.
- UM family medicine in Chelsea
- Article: Local mother of two sons with autism finds assistance among Family Medicine and MDisability medical faculty
Down Syndrome
- Down Syndrome Support Team (DSST)
- Down Syndrome support groups in Michigan
- Down Syndrome Guild of Southeastern Michigan
Dyslexia
- Children’s Dyslexia Center of Southeastern Michigan – Facebook and website
- Lauren Katz at 3Li
- Arbor Psychology in Plymouth
- McCaskill in Plymouth
- Center for Neuropsychology Learning and Development – Dr. Roger Lauer
- U of M Neuropsych
- One parent writes: I also recommend seeing Dr. Ference in Westland for a full vision assessment prior to expensive testing
- One parent recommended this page of iPad apps for learners with dyslexia
Early Childhood / Infancy / Preschool
- Early On / Early Intervention of Washtenaw County
- Preschool and Family Center – Ann Arbor Public Schools
- Office of Special Education/Early Intervention Services (OSE/EIS)
- State of Michigan – Early On
- Free preschool and other early intervention resources in Washtenaw County
- Washtenaw Preschool
Epilepsy
- Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan
- ArborEpilepsy – a local support group for people with epilepsy or their parents or caregivers.
- For kids who have seizures when they get too hot, Polar Products makes a cooling vest that can let kids go outdoors where there is no air conditioning.
- A free online 90-minute course to learn Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certification from the Epilepsy Foundation.
- U of M Mott Hospital’s Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Program. Also see their Pediatric Epilepsy Education & Support Resources page. It has webinars and an Epilepsy Caregiver Support Group.
- Michgian LGS Connect – a group for caregivers for people in Michigan with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
Evaluations
– Places to have a child evaluated. Some do a neuropsych evaluation:
- Center for Neuropsychology Learning and Development – Dr. Roger Lauer’s practice — he has an excellent reputation
- Wrightslaw – Assessing Reading Difficulties and Disabilities
- Mary Rackham Institute
- Naomi Alcaine, Ph.D. at the Ann Arbor Center for the Family.
- John Milanovich, Ph.D.
- WestArbor Psychological Services (formerly Sullivan, Nolan, and Associates)
- Michael Bambery, Ph.D.
- Dr. Denyce Girard Kerner
- EMU’s psychology department
- Arbor Psychology in Plymouth — a lot of people speak very highly of Dr. Bambery. Also, they recently added Dr. Sorkin at their Ann Arbor office. Because Dr. Sorkin is new (in November of 2019), the waiting list to get in to see him may be shorter.
- U of M neurology clinic off Plymouth Rd.
- Jacquline Kaufman at U of M
- Dr Behen in Novi
- The Sunfield Center
- EMU — neuropsych exams are done by students, overseen by a doctor, at a much lower cost.
- University Center for the Child and Family (UCCF)
- Dr. Mark Bowers in Brighton; used to run social skills groups in Ann Arbor – www.bcpn.org
- UM has an ADHD clinic that does a full evaluation for diagnosis and provides excellent write ups and data to share with schools. There’s usually a 6 month wait.
- Thriving Minds has offices in Brighton and Chelsea.
- Dr. Jodene Fine at CNLD.
Executive Skills Coaching
Coaches who tutor students on how to organize their work and other life skills:
- Kristen Chapman
- Diane teaches Teen Life Skills
- Rebecca Buffington is not local but one family worked with her remotely and found her helpful.
Fetal Alcohol
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Clinic at Mott Hospital in Ann Arbor
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders – State of Michigan
- Michigan Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Task Force
Financing a Disability
- The Children’s Special Healthcare Services program (CSHCS) – provides a variety of assistance to families with a child with any of 2,700 physical conditions. Pays for healthcare, provides information, and can connect parents with each other.
- The Medicaid waiver provides home and community services such as childcare and other services to a limited number of children around the state, chosen by prioritizing which families have the largest needs for the service.
- Make A Wish, Michigan – grants wishes to children with critical illnesses
- Easter Seals of Michigan – works to change the way the world defines and views disability by making profound, positive differences in people’s lives every day.
- United Way of SE Michigan – improving lives and empowering every family to succeed by uniting around education, economic prosperity and health — the cornerstones of a strong, equitable community.
Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
- The Pop-Up IEP – Click on the quote to see good responses to statements you might hear made during an IEP meeting and support for your responses.
- NICHCY: Developing Your Child’s IEP – Parent’s Guide from April 2009.
- Resolving IEP Disputes – Click on the pop-up box to learn strategies to resolve disagreements, steps to take if you disagree with the school, and options you have if unable to resolve disputes.
- Developing Your Child’s IEP – Click on the pop-up box to learn about IDEA requirements, see answers to your questions, find federal law or regulations that support these answers, and a list of additional resources.
- Special Factors in IEPs – Find what special factors need to be considered by the IEP team, how the IEP must address these factors, and learn what the federal law and regulations require.
- IEP Checklist: Is Your Child’s IEP Individualized? – What Does it Take? When you answer the questions on this IEP Checklist, you will know if your child’s IEP is individualized, as the law requires.
- Guidance for Notice (“Prior Written Notice”)
- Guidance for Timeline for Initial Evaluations for Special Education (Mich. Dept. of Education)
- See more IEP info at: www.wrightslaw.com/info/iep.index.htm
Inclusion and Empowerment
- Family Resource Center for Disabilities and Special Needs – Promoting Inclusion and Empowerment
- Including Samuel and later followup with Samuel
Independent Living
- Disability Network Washtenaw, Monroe, and Livingston – nonprofit organization dedicated to the success of children, youth and adults with disabilities at home, at school, at work and in the community. Formerly called the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living.
- Intentional Communities of Washtenaw (ICW) – Creating a future where individuals with disabilities can share the common bond of community living in a supportive, dignified and productive manner.
- Saint Louis Center – a residential community for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They have family housing and housing for individuals. They used to also house children, but currently do not.
- Many Hands LifeSharing Community (formerly Homegrown Community) is a local group that is working on creating a community where adults with special needs can live. Also find them on Facebook
Laws and Rights
- IDEA and FERPA Confidentiality Provisions
- Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR)
- Wrightslaw – Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.
- Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act (IDEA)
- Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC)
- Center for Parent Information & Resources
- Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE)
Lawyers
– for drawing up special needs trusts, guardianship, etc.:
- Peter Clark of Ferguson, Widmayer & Clark – (734) 662-0222 Peter@fw-pc.com – He specializes in trust/estate and special needs trusts/laws.
- Joelle Gurnoe-Adams: mielderlaw.com/joelle-gurnoe-adams/ – guardianship, social security, and also does special needs trusts and powers of attorney.
- Laura Athens – Farmington Hills – 248-426-8800 lathens@twmi.rr.com or info@lathenslaw.com – Special education law, guardianship, special education hearing officer
- Christine Piatkowski – Brighton, MI – (810) 231-2628 piatkowski.law@chartermi.net – Special education law, special needs trusts
- Wendy Alton – Pear, Sperling, Eggan, & Daniels – Domino’s Farms, Ann Arbor – (734) 665-4441 walton@psedlaw.com – www.psedlaw.com – Special needs trusts/wills, Social Security benefits, guardianship
- Joshua Fink – Fink & Fink, PLLC – 320 North Main Street, Ann Arbor – (734) 994-1077 Joshua.Fink@finkandfink.com – finkandfink.com – Special needs trusts/wills, Social Security benefits, guardianship
- Suzanne R. Fanning – 5340 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor – 734-366-4540 – suzyfanning@gmail.com – www.annarborprobate.com – Estate planning, special needs trusts/wills, guardianship
- Our very own Melissa Epstein does this kind of work too: epsteinlegalservices.com/about-us
- Pediatric Advocacy Center from U of M Law School
- Jessica Kelly, who recently was on the Ann Arbor school board, is a special education lawyer
Learning Disabilities
Mental Health / Mental Illness
- Michigan Mental Health Network – Washtenaw County
- National Alliance on Mental Illness – Washtenaw County
- Washtenaw County Community Mental Health – provides mental health services to children and adults who live in the local area. Can help with applying for the Medicaid waiver.
Muscular Dystrophy
Neurologists
- Martha Carlson at Pediatric Neurology at U of M – 734-936-4179
- Several parents recommended Dr. Leber at U of M. They said that he listens especially well to their input.
Occupational Therapy
- Building Bridges Therapy Center
- Amy Assenmacher at Arbor Psychology
Parenting Classes
- Local parent Melanie Sobocinski offers a class for parents of challenging children, with or without a diagnosis. More information is at at sanityschool.com/a2 or melanie@proforganizer.com, 734-272-7905. The plan is to to offer the live class 2-3 times per year, or more often upon request. A flyer is posted here.
Pediatricians
- A parent said that Dr. Jessica Fealy at Briarwood Center for Women, Children and Young Adults is fantastic with her kids, including one with significant special needs.
- A parent said that Dr. Frei at IHA takes into account a child’s sensory issues and makes sure the child is comfortable and healthy.
- A parent said that Dr. Langlois at U of M in Canton is compassionate, soft-spoken, listens well, gives parents the facts and lets the parents decide, and has identified medical issues.
- A parent said that Dr. Beth Barclay at Liberty Pediatrics is thoughtful and gentle with all of her kids, and the whole staff there remembers her child’s sensory needs. If you call with a question, they have several nurses there who are absolutely amazing!
Physical Therapy
- A parent went to Probility and had a good experience there
Psychiatrists
- Community Mental Health, if your child has Medicaid or the Medicaid Waiver
- Eva Olson – (734) 332-3976
- University Center For the Child and Family
- Cruz Clinic in Livonia – one parent says it is worth the drive
- Jennifer Jenks – may not be taking new patients
- Pamela Sohoni
- Norman Alessi – does not take insurance; will get to know your child and make frequent changes to get things to work well. (734) 222-6222
- Charlotte Harrington is a new therapist at Still Waters Counseling in Ann Arbor – (517) 266-8500. Several parents recommended her.
- A parent reports that Dr. Davita Burkhead-Weiner is kind and great at building rapport with kids.
Recreation Therapy
- Celina Cerf – aceingautism.org/locations/ann-arbor-mi/ – tennis at Clague school for kids with autism
Social Skills Groups
- Spectrum Therapy
- A2 Therapy Works
- Building Bridges Therapy Center
- Creating Brighter Futures has a PEERS social skills group for teens
- One person recommended videos from ADHD Dude
- Arbor Autism’s social skills groups
- Sunfield Center has them too.
Siblings of kids with special needs
- The Arc in Livingston County has a Sibshop support group
Speech Therapy
- Laura Donoghue at Ann Arbor Speech
- A2 Therapy Works – one parent especially likes Sydney there
- Michaela Adams at Arbor Psychology
- Amber at Salient Speech and Language
- Kate at Communicate With Kate
Adaptive Swim resources for kids with special needs
- Jen Olk in Chelsea does adaptive swimming.
- Lindsay Richardson does adaptive swim in a private pool on the west side of Ann Arbor
Testing and Evaluations
- See Evaluations on this page.
Therapy
- Building Bridges Therapy Center – wide range of therapies, assessment & diagnostic services, and specialty programs.
- Spectrum Therapy Center Ann Arbor – treatment of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other speech and language delays/disorders, up to age 11.
- Judson Center – comprehensive services for children, adults, families impacted by abuse and neglect, autism, developmental disabilities, and mental health challenges.
- Sunfield Center – autism, ADHD, and behavioral health.
- Novel Responses – home-based therapy, natural environment training, and behavior analysis services.
- A2 Therapy Works – speech, OT and feeding therapy.
- ABA Insight – offers ABA therapy (and a summer day camp) for a variety of ages.
- A company called Autism Home Support sees kids in Ann Arbor.
- There is therapy at the EMU Autism Collaborative Center
- Babies up until kindergarten-age can get therapy and free preschool at the Ann Arbor Preschool and Family Center
- The Good Start program at WISD provides a variety of supports to early childhood educators.
- A non-ABA option is the STEPS program at U of M.
- Creating Brighter Futures – ABA Autism treatment for children age two through eighteen.
- Centria offers ABA therapy.
- ABA Pathways offers ABA therapy.
- ROI Learning Center
- Illuminate offers ABA therapy – they are new in 2022 and have had some good reports from parents.
Toilet Training
- Local Nurse Practitioner Judy Coucouvanis is an expert in toilet training kids with autism and other special needs. She has written a book called The Potty Journey. She sometimes gives a talk at the Ann Arbor Preschool & Family Center, or you may be able to set up an appointment with her for consulting.
Tourette’s Syndrome
- Here is the Michigan Chapter of the Tourette’s Association of America
- Here is an article about a local teen who advocates for Tourette’s Syndrome
Transition to Adulthood / Turning 18
- Turning 18 with a Developmental Disability in Washtenaw County
- AAPS Transition Services
- Autism Speaks – Transition Information for Michigan
- Age Of Majority – Parent Guide
- WISD Young Adult program
Vision – including Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI)
- Bureau of Services for Blind Persons
- Michigan Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (MPVI) – also on Facebook
- Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Michigan
- Kellogg Eye Center – low vision resources
- Foundation Fighting Blindness – list of resources in the Eastern part of Michigan
- State of Michigan outreach to provide services to people who are blind or visually impaired and its Family Support area.
- Ann Arbor Optometry – Dr. Sortor can diagnose problems and recommend vision therapy
- Kellogg Eye Center (does not specialize in Cortical Visual Impairment, but can be very helpful with other vision issues)
- For Cortical Visual Impairment, you can request a VI assessment with the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) – contact Bill Harris there. WISD has been trained in doing the CVI vision assessment. Dr Christine Roman at WISD can do this assessment.
- If a student qualifies for VI support, he or she will get a WISD consultant on the IEP team who will support the staff on modifying and doing direct service for supporting CVI progression.
- A parent strongly recommended seeing Dr. MaryJo Ference for VI CVI assessment. Once you see her and get the official diagnosis of CVI then you couple that with VI WISD assessment outcome and then services in school for CVI are part of the student’s IEP.
- Here is the page with info about WISD and visual impairment.
- Most eye doctors don’t know the true CVI assessment tool but, they can make a medical diagnosis based into heir opinion. So, your doctor can put CVI in the diagnosis and then you can see Dr. Ference for a more in depth assessment/report. Having that referral also may get your insurance to cover the cost of the appointment with Dr. Ference if your insurance doesn’t cover it.
- Eberwhite has been physically set up for CVI (for example, stripes painted on stairs) but WISD will also send a VI specialist to assess the school building for modification that are needed.
- More help with CVI: CVI Range Endorsees in Michigan.
- Assistive technology that can help with CVI.
- Teacher resources for CVI.
- A local parent wrote this page: Introductory CVI Reading (For Parents or Professionals).
- This explains the process for applying to the Youth Low Vision Services.
- CVI Book Nook
WISD – Washtenaw Intermediate School District
WISD handles a variety of services for several school districts in southeastern Michigan. They provide certain special ed services for some counties, and offer resources and training.
- Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD)
- WISD Parent Advisory Committee
- Washtenaw Intermediate School District Parent Advisory Committee Information Handbook
Other Topics
- Center for Educational Networking
- Council for Exceptional Children – a professional association of educators dedicated to advancing the success of children with exceptionalities through advocacy, standards, and professional development.
- Grandparents as Parents (GAP)
- Michigan Alliance for Families – information, support, and education for families who have children (birth through 26 years of age) who receive (or may be eligible to receive) special education services. This website can help you with finding information on special education issues as well as disability specific information.
- Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) – foster care, adoption, child support, abuse & neglect, Healthy Michigan Plan, Vital Records, emergency preparedness, safe delivery of babies, safe sleep for babies, aging & adult services, behavioral health & developmental disability, crime victim services, help locate missing children.
- Michigan Department of Education
- Social Security Administration
- U.S. Department of Education
- U.S. Department of Education and Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (OSERS) – To improve early childhood, educational, and employment outcomes and raise expectations for all people with disabilities, their families, their communities, and the nation.
- Arborparents – large e-mail list for local parents to connect with each other.
- State of Michigan Parent Dashboard for School Transparency – You can select for students with disabilities. Future phases of the Parent Dashboard will include new data not previously reported for schools. Proposed categories include early learning access; access to technology; services to students with disabilities and English learners; and extracurricular activities.
- MSU’s Center for Research in Autism, Intellectual, and Other Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (RIAND)
- There is a Facebook group for Ann Arbor area parents of people who are transgender.
- Sealhouse offers special education training for attorneys, advocates, parents and students.
Last updated May 18, 2023
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