Important Community Connections

BY CHRISTIA WOODFORD

Arc of Michigan

800-292-7851 www.arcmi.org

We provide for the special needs community leadership, support and enhance local Arc efforts, support governmental advocacy at the local, state and national levels, coordinate state advocacy efforts, influence governmental agencies and policymakers in Michigan and at the national level, promote autonomy and selfdetermination, promote the value and potential of all people, advocate for the inclusion of and participation by individuals with disabilities in their communities, promote high-quality services, provide training for parents and professionals

Autism Support of Michigan

517-882-2800 www.autism-mi.org

ASM is committed to empowering individuals with autism and their families by offering educational resources, materials, and other services. ASM advocates “Making Human Connections” in a supportive, integrated community is a right of all persons.

Learning Disabilities Association of Michigan

616-284-1650 www.ldaofmichigan.org

LDA of Michigan is an affiliate of LDA of America and provides support to people with learning disabilities, their parents, teachers and other professionals with cutting edge information on learning disabilities, practical solutions, and a comprehensive network of resources.

Michigan Alliance for Families

800-552-4821 www.michiganalliance forfamilies.org

Michigan Alliance for Families provides information, support, and education for families who have children and young adults (birth to 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 disabilityspecific information.

Global Down Syndrome Foundation www.globaldownsyndrome. org/about-downsyndrome/resources/ local-organizations/ michigan-down-syndromeorganizations/ Gives access and contact information for all 12 Down Syndrome organizations in Michigan

Easterseals MORC

248-475-6400 http://www. eastersealsmorc.org/ Easterseals has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs, and their families, live better lives for nearly 100 years. From child development centers to physical rehabilitation and job training for people with disabilities, Easterseals offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals.

Autism Alliance of Michigan

877- 463-2266 www.autismalliance ofmichigan.org

Every family should have access to services to assist with education goals, to create a safety plan to keep their child from wandering, to enjoy resources and entertainment venues in their community, and to access housing, transportation and employment for independent living. In short, we believe no family member should be limited because they have autism.

Michigan Disability Services www.disabilityresources. org/michigan.html

Directory of services for the disability community

Early On Michigan

833-633-5788 www.michigan.gov/mde/ services/early-learnersand-care/special-ed-05/ early-on-michigan

Early On is Michigan’s early intervention system for helping infants and toddlers, birth to three years of age who have a disability, developmental delay(s) or are at risk for delay(s) due to certain health conditions, and their families. It’s designed to help families find the social, health, and educational services that will promote the development of their infants and toddlers with special needs.

Disability Rights Michigan 517- 487-1755 or 800)-288-5923 www.michiganlegalhelp. org/find-lawyer/disabilityrights-michigan-drm Disability Rights

Michigan (DRM) is the independent, private, nonprofit, nonpartisan protection and advocacy organization authorized by Federal and State law to advocate and protect the legal rights of people with disabilities in Michigan. DRM services include information and referral, short-term assistance, selected individual and legal representation, systemic advocacy, monitoring, and training

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) 517)-241-3740 www.michigan.gov/mdhhs

Serves families, children, senior citizens, people with disabilities and mental illness

Michigan Family to Family www.f2fmichigan.org

Information, education, training, outreach and peer support for families

Hope Network

616- 301-8000 www.hopenetwork.org

Empowers people to overcome challenges to achieve their highest level of independence. Provides advocacy and programs for the disabled community.

Michigan Vocational Rehabilitation (LEO) 517-241-5324 or 800-605-6722 www.michigan.gov/leo/ bureaus-agencies/mrs Vocational counseling and training, job placement assistance, physical and mental restoration services, rehabilitation technology (e.g., adaptive devices, vehicle modifications)

National Suicide Prevention Hotline 988 or 800-273TALK (8255)

Resources and support for any kind of mental health issues

National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) — Michigan 517-485-4049 www.namimi.org/ Support groups, classes, resources, conferences, information

211

Database of organizations to help with any type of needs by location in Indiana

Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) 888-320-8384 https://www.michigan. gov/mde/Services/ special-education/parentresources/family-matters

A united union of students, parents, educators, community professionals and consumers supporting and providing Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). The site provides training, webinars, information, resources and referrals to students, parents, educators and community agencies on educational rights and laws.