Educational Resources

Resources listed are not endorsed by DSAWM, but are a list of options that are available. If you know of additional West Michigan resources, please let us know at director@dsawm.org.

For Individuals with Down Syndrome, Parents, and Caregivers

IEP Resources
Michigan Alliance for Families maintains an informative and thorough guide to assist parents and caregivers in understanding and navigating the IEP. 

State Law Resources
Family Matters an outreach effort from the Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Special Education to provide parents with information about special education and other resources
Michigan Special Education Website
Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education With Related IDEA Federal Regulations
Michigan Due Process Hearing Decisions special education cases listed in menu on left

Federal Law Resources
IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act)
Section 504 ensures children with disabilities have equal access to education, including accommodations and modifications
Wrightslaw

Educational Advocates
ACCESS Education Ann Arbor, Lansing, Plainwell
Advocacy Services for Kids Kalamazoo
The Arc of Michigan find your local Arc office
Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates search to find a local advocate
Disability Advocates of Kent County
Dispute Resolution Center of West Michigan free mediation services in Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, and Osceola counties
Michigan Alliance for Families
West Michigan Special Education Advocacy offers 10% discount to DSAWM members
Wrightslaw Yellow Pages for Kids extensive listing of Michigan advocates

Many school districts have parent advisory committees (PACs) that represent and advocate for students who receive special education services. Contact information for PACs in West Michigan can be found below.
Allegan AESA
Barry ISD
Ionia County ISD
Kalamazoo RESA
Kent ISD
Mecosta-Osceola ISD
Montcalm Area ISD
Muskegon Area ISD
Ottawa Area ISD
Van Buren ISD
West Shore (Oceana) ESD

For Educators

Teacher Information Packet
The Teacher Information Packet is a collection of information for parents, caregivers, and educators of students with Down syndrome in grades K-5. It is intended to assist each classroom teacher in (1) getting to know his or her student with Down syndrome and (2) building a comfortable and effective learning environment for every student.

The material addresses a wide range of subjects—from subject adaptation and student supports to social inclusion. A Getting to Know Me section is included for parents/caregivers and their children to complete together, as is a sample letter to distribute to parents of the other students in your child’s class.

1. Getting to Know Me
2. Educator Manual: Supporting the Student with Down Syndrome in Your Classroom
3. Sample Introduction Letter to Other Parents
4. School Accommodations and Modifications
5. Positive Steps to Social Inclusion