This guide summarizes information on education, health, human services, early intervention, and other agencies that help children with special healthcare needs and their families.
Spanish Resources: https://spanadvocacy.org/downloads/spanish/
This website contains information, resources and tools about programs to strengthen parent professional partnerships. The NCFPP believes that strengthening the role of families as partners in the delivery of health care to their children is a critical first step in improving the quality of care for children with special health care needs.
The National Center for Family Professional Partnerships provides this information for parents on how to partner effectively with your child’s provider. Tips include preparing for an office visit, talking with your child’s provider and learning more following the appointment.
Michigan Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services include special instruction and related services provided to young children, ages 3 through 5, who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA, Part B, Section 619). Through its 56 Intermediate School Districts (ISDs), Michigan’s ECSE program offers a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all eligible children at no cost to their families, and in the Least Restrictive Environment. The Build up MI kids website provides parents with information on available services and eligibility requirements. Website language is selectable and includes Spanish.
Disability Network/ Ann Arbor is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the success of children, youth and adults with disabilities at home, at school, at work and in the community.
Grand Rapids chapter of CHADD. The chapter engages in AD/HD advocacy work and has adult and parent support groups.
The Brain Injury Association of Michigan (BIAMI) is a nonprofit organization that serves to create greater awareness of brain injury across the state. BIAMI is the primary conduit to resources for Michigan brain injury survivors, their families and the professionals who serve them.
Programs to Educate All Cyclists (PEAC) empowers individuals with disabilities through cycling, active transportation, and self-advocacy education.
The Arc Kent County ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) are valued in order that they and their families participate fully in and contribute to their community. The Arc provides numerous resources so that all people realize and fulfill their dreams of having employment, education, meaningful relationships, and living independently within their community.
The Association for Children’s Mental Health (ACMH) is a statewide, non-profit family organization dedicated to meeting the needs of families of children and youth with serious emotional, behavioral or mental health challenges. ACMH provides the following services to families and community partners across Michigan: Parent-to-Parent Support; Education, Networking & Leadership Opportunities including an annual Conference; Regional Training, Leadership Camp and other Special Events; Information Dissemination, Referral, Outreach and Systems Advocacy; Family Support Groups, Assistance & Advocacy; Youth Involvement & Leadership Opportunities.