2023, July 10 Current Michigan Student Disability Information, ASD, and Other Info Links,

Hello Parents and Guardians!

Thank you for reading my blog.

I am no longer involved with the Detroit School District since my family member aged out of the system. However, I occasionally speak to parents about current things happening with K-12 up to Age 26 for Special Education in Michigan and will post information that I think parents should be aware of. 

Also, since I have been teaching at a university, I have found that some students with special needs and their parents are not aware of services that are available, whether the student had an IEP or not. 

Here is a resource for students with Dyslexia from the University of Michigan. When you click on this link it will redirect you to a page where you can click on the link with the information:  http://dyslexiahelp.umich.edu/tools/informational-websites

 Parents can find the latest information related to assistance for Michigan K-12 students with disabilities and transition centers  at the links below:

https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/special-education/parent-resources

https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/special-education/evaluations-ieps/ieps

I spoke with a parent today about school personnel at her school that attempted to get her and other parents to disclose Medicare information or sign a form during the IEP meetings related to Medicare that essentially allows Medicare to bill for special education school services for various therapies like speech therapy, that are free of charge according to the Federal government through IDEA, ADA, and Civil Rights. Again, special ed services in a school are free of charge. 

So this raises two things: 

Problem: Schools are supposed to have enough therapists to provide the student with therapies listed on the IEP because the services are paid for in each school district by grants from the Federal government and millages that are connected to your property taxes and are voted on in elections that support specialized schools, programs, and services for students with disabilities. 

Problem : Medicare should not be billing for free special education services that are supposed to be provided by the schools.

I feel parents should look into and discuss this matter with other parents of students with special needs or under the term "Gifted and Talented," and parent groups such as PTA, etc,  as parents have the right to refuse for Medicare to bill for special education services that are supposed to be free of charge.  If anyone has additional info please feel free to send it to me via the comment box in this blog. Thank you!

Here is the link on how the State of Michigan pays for Special Education: 

https://www.house.mi.gov/hfa/PDF/SchoolAid/SchAid_MDE_Subcmte_Testimony_Special_Education_1-28-2020.pdf

Autism Spectrum Disorder: In Michigan, there were efforts towards an ASD State Plan. This link  has the reports up to 2018. "The Michigan Autism Spectrum Disorder State Plan was developed to build the state infrastructure for comprehensive, lifespan supports to individuals with ASD and their families through access to information and resources, coordination of services, and implementation of evidence based practices." https://www.michigan.gov/autism/stateasdplan#:~:text=The%20Michigan%20Autism%20Spectrum%20Disorder,implementation%20of%20evidence%20based%20practices.

The Michigan Advocacy and Protection Services that provided the Advocacy Guide Manual is now under the Disability Rights Michigan website. Parents are able to download the Advocacy Guide. Here is the link: https://www.drmich.org/resources/special-education/

In the past, other parent advocates and I utilized this Advocacy Guide to teach parents in the Detroit School District how to advocate for their child or children with special needs. The office no longer mails out hard copies of the manual.  

If you are a parent or guardian who is not in Michigan, from my past research and communication with parents in other states, each state has their own department or office for Protecton and Advocacy that may have similar Advocacy Guide Manuals. 

Parents should do an internet search under the name of your state.  Examples are  "California Disabiltity Protection and Advocacy Guide", "Ohio Disability Protection and Advocacy Guide",  "State of Washington Disability Protection and Advocacy Guide"etc.m  or "Advocacy Guide."  

The Detroit Office of the ARC of Michigan on Hancock Street appears to be closed. As of today, 7/10/2023, the office number  313 831-0202 is disconnected and the number on their website      888-929-9444 is also disconnected. I tried calling the 888 number with 1-888-929-9444 and received a disconnected number recording "no longer in service". 

Thank you!

Aurora Harris

 

Sunday June 14, 2020 Detroit Public Schools Educational Supports related to Detroit Students with Special Needs and DPS Covid-19 updates

Below is a list of articles related to special needs students in the Detroit Public School System  and students across Michigan.

Detroit Public Schools Covid-19 updates: https://www.detroitk12.org/covid19

ADDITIONAL WEB AND ONLINE RESOURCES FOR DPSCD STUDENTS WITH EXCEPTIONAL LEARNING NEEDS

• General Information Around Understanding COVID-19 and Illness

  The information below includes learning opportunities being provided to ALL Detroit Public School Community District students.  Please note the Homework Hotline is available to ALL Students and may be reached by calling 1-833-466-3978 during operating hours or visiting the website page at www.detroitk12.org/homeworkhotline. 

  Visual Impairment - Braille or Enlargement Needs

  • Please email Richard.gregory@detroitk12.org Visual Impaired Program Supervisor

  Occupational and Physical Therapy 

  • Occupational and Physical Therapy Resources from Handwriting Without Tears: Occupational and Physical Therapy Resources

  Children in Programs with Moderate to Severe Needs

  • Instructions on how to access Attainment HUB: Attainment HUB Instructions for Interactive Learning
  • MOCI and SCI COVID-19 Student and Teacher Resource List: MOCI & SCI
  • Follow this link for access to K-5 digital resources through Attainment: Attainment's K-5 Digital Resources
  • Follow this link for access to 6-12 digital resources through Attainment: Attainment’s 6-12 Digital Resources

  Student and Families of our Deaf and Hard of Hearing Programs

  • American Sign Language (ASL and Vocabulary Practice and Development)
    • Sign School: www.signschool.com
  • Checking Hearing/Audiology Equipment:
    • www.hear-me-now.org/ling-six-sound-test/
    • www.hearinghealthmatters.org/hearingandkids/2018/why-do-we-need-the-ling-6-sound-test/
    • www.auditoryverbaltherapy.net/2015/03/25/ling-six-sound-check
  • Center For Disease (CDC) Parents Guide to Hearing Loss: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hearingloss/parentsguide/hearingloss/intervention-support.html

  Learners Using Augmented Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices

  • This is guidance for use of AAC Devices in the home for families and students with limited language and/or comprehension ability: https://www.assistiveware.com/blog/language-opportunities-using-aac-home
  • Video of Tips for parents of learners who use AAC Devices: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-t5HdcM84E&feature=youtu.be
  • AAC for Caregivers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2Ko9PitsvA

  Resources for Students with Speech & Language Needs

  • Circle-Time: Provides live, interactive “Mommy and Me” classes that are convenient (and engaging) for parents and (fun and) educational for children. Every group session is led by a certified subject-matter expert. The hands-on sessions are evidence-based and promote healthy play activities that continue beyond the class. https://circletimefun.com/
  • Articulation and Phonology: Online Articulation Games: (elementary/middle): https://www.quia.com/pages/khornig/sayitright
  • Online Language and Articulation Games - Elementary & Middle School levels: https://www.quia.com/pages/playandlearn.html
  • Library of Online Speech and Language Resources for Home Practice: https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1o4Pij3wBbsJD83R2F7iqNM8Gy3QCgPezHHGdiW5gcpQ/mobilebasic
  • Vocabulary Spelling City - Free access - Enter code: VSCFree90 upon registration on website.www.spellingcity.com
  • Speech-Language Online Resources and Free Apps: Speech-Language Online Resources and Free Apps
  • Speech-Language Resources for Home Practice: Speech-Language for Home Practice

  Resources for Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

  • Challenging Behavior Toolkit and Videos: https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit/challenging-behaviors-tool-kit
  • Support for Siblings of Students with Autism: https://www.autismspeaks.org/tool-kit/siblings-guide-autism
  • Understanding What A Social Story Is And How to Use Them: https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/social-stories-for-autistic-children/
  • Positive Behavioral Intervention Support (Social Stories): https://www.pbisworld.com/tier-2/social-stories/
  • Toddlers with Autism (Ages 0-5): https://asdtoddler.fpg.unc.edu/
  • The Autism Tool Kit contains resources to help children, teens, and adults with autism interact successfully at home, in school, and in the workplace.
    • This resource includes downloadable PDFs and helpful links for parents & families: http://autism-support.org/autism-resources/autism-tool-kit
    • The link below includes a list of communication apps, organization apps, and educational apps for individuals with autism and other special needs: http://autism-support.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/iPhone-iPod-Touch-Apps-for-Special-Ed.pdf]
  • Autism Tool Kit Links:
    • Click the link and scroll down to see an extensive collection of free Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) cards: http://trainland.tripod.com/pecs.htm
  • Free Printable Autism Communication Cards:
    • These free autism communication cards are perfect for making your own schedules, social stories, and talking cards: http://www.dotolearn.com/picturecards/printcards/index.htm
  • Free Printable Emotion and Behavior Cards:
    • Print out these cards to communicate about hygiene, housekeeping, scheduling, and emotions/self-management: http://www.usevisualstrategies.com/AutismVisualPrintablePictures.aspx
  • Story Builder - Free Social Stories Generator:
    • Story Builder is a free software program that lets you create and print your own social stories: http://www.leedsmet.ac.uk/inn/usabilityservices/download2.htm
  • How to Write Your Own Social Stories:
    • Social stories are easy to create once you understand how they work. This site tells you how to write your own social stories: http://www.autism-help.org/communication-social-stories-autism.htm

  Early Intervention - Ages Birth to Three Years

  • Have favorite stories read to you/your child by movie stars: https://www.storylineonline.net/
  • ABCya! - Practice math and reading skills www.seussville.com Suessville Read play games with Dr. Suess and his friends: www.abcya.com
  • PBS Kids - Hanging out with favorite characters while learning: www.pbs.org
  • Toddlers with Autism: https://asdtoddler.fpg.unc.edu/

  Early Childhood Preschool - Ages 2.6 Years through 5 Years Old

  • Toddlers with Autism: https://asdtoddler.fpg.unc.edu/
  • Switcheroozoo: Watch, listen & play games to learn all about amazing animals. Promotes Language and vocabulary development: www.switcheroozoo.com  
  • PBS Kids: Vocabulary & language development: https://pbskids.org
  • Storyline Online: https://www.storylineonline.net
  • Online Literacy Resources: Read aloud, Storytime, sing-along & more: https://growingbookbybook.com
  • Reading Skill Building Ages 3 & up: https://www.squigglepark.com/
  • Scholastic: Day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing: https://classroommagazines.scholastic.com/support/learnathome.html
  • YouTube Early Childhood Preschool Outcomes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPWk3SjKRAs

  Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Links for Exceptional Learners

  • 25 Fun Mindfulness Activities for Children & Teens (+Tips): https://positivepsychology.com/mindfulness-for-children-kids-activities/ 
  • 10 Ways to Teach Mindfulness to Kids: https://leftbrainbuddha.com/10-ways-teach-mindfulness-to-kids/ 
  • Positive Behavioral Supports at home from the Association for Positive Behavior Support (APBS):https://www.apbs.org/about/families
  • Positive Behavior Support Resource: https://www.pbisworld.com/tier-2/social-stories/

  Mental Health Resources for All Learners

  • Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority (DWMHA): https://dwihn.org/ or call 1-800-241-4949
  • Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html 
  • Mental Health. Gov Link: https://www.mentalhealth.gov/ 
  • USA National Suicide Hotlines: 1-800-SUICIDE / 1-800-784-2433
  • U.S.A. Domestic Violence: 1-800-799-7233/TTY 1-800-787-3224

  Math and Reading Activities for Exceptional Learners

  Primarily for Students with Developmental Disabilities - Autism, Cognitive, Early Childhood Developmental Delay, etc.

  • Math Activities for Younger Students:
    • practice counting items around the home or in the yard (count pennies, spoons, socks as you fold laundry, etc.)
    • practice adding and subtracting with items (have students label the number of items)
    • work on simple money skills (identifying coins, adding and subtracting coins if they can)
    • practice recognizing shapes around the house and outside
    • draw and color a certain number of items
  • Math Activities for Student Who Can Multiply/Divide:
    • use playing cards to set up multiplication and division problems
    • draw different shapes and label them
    • measure things around the house
    • help prepare meals and measure ingredients
    • practice following multi-step directions
  • Reading/ELA for Younger Students:
    • have someone read to them and listen and retell the story in their own words
    • identify different letters and sounds in story/article
    • name the first sounds of items around the house
    • practice writing their names and letters they know
    • engage in conversation about anything – talk a lot
    • describe how something tastes, feels, colors they see, how does something feel in their hand
    • tell you a make-believe story and draw a picture about it
  • Reading/ELA for Older Students:
    • write about what they are doing
    • write a make-believe story
    • write a poem, song, rap, cartoon, comic strip
    • orally tell you a story or describe what you are doing
    • practice multi-step directions

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COVID-19 PODCAST

COVID-19 PREVENTION & RESOURCES

• The best defense against any contagious illness is frequent and effective handwashing and seeking immediate medical assistance if experiencing symptoms.

  Below are recommendations that we included in our letters to families and staff.

  • Washing your hands with soap and water.
  • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoiding contact with people who are sick.
  • Staying home if you are sick and contact your healthcare provider.

  Please refer to the links below for the most current information on taking precautions, symptoms, and situation updates.

  U.S. Department of Health & Human Services - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

  • CDC COVID-19 Link: www.cdc.gov/COVID19
  • CDC Steps to Prevent Illness: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html
  • CDC Protect your family: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/protect/index.html 
  • CDC Guidance for Schools: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/schools-faq.html
  • CDC Talking With Your Child about COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/talking-with-children.html

  Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Resources and Links

  • MDHHS COVID-19 Link: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/
  • MDHHS COVID-19 What to do if you have been exposed: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/coronavirus/Person_Exposure_Final_3-25-2020_684832_7.pdf
  • MDHHS COVID-19 Link for Childcare & School Administrators: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98178_98157---,00.html
  • MDHHS COVID-19 Hotline: 1-888-535-6136, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days a week
  • 2-1-1 Hotline: Please dial 2-1-1 to get connected to available mental health resource in your area. Michigan 2-1-1 is a free service that connects Michigan residents with help and answers from thousands of health and human services agencies and resources right in their communities—quickly, easily, and confidentially.

  Detroit Health Department

  • DHD Link: detroitmi.gov/health
  • DHD Hotline: 313-876-4000, 24 hours a day; email: dhdoutbreak@detroitmi.gov
  • DHD COVID-19: https://detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-health-department/programs-and-services/communicable-disease/coronavirus-covid-19

  Online Mental Health Services

  Community Care Services provides outpatient mental health and substance use disorder treatment for children, teens, and adults in Southeastern Michigan online through Telehealth. Telehealth will connect you to treatment through your computer, tablet or smartphone. A phone call option is available for those without internet access. For telehealth assistance, or to schedule an intake appointment visit Community Care Services at comcareserv.org/  or call 313-389-7500.

PREVENTION DOCUMENTS

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  CDC stop-the-spread-of-germs
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  CDC COVID19-symptoms
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  NASP-NASN How To Talk About COVID-19 with Children
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  CDC COVID 19 FACT English
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  CDC COVID 19 FACT Spanish
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  CDC COVID 19 FACT Bengali
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  CDC COVID 19 FACT Arabic

Detroit Public Schools Special Education Supports
 https://www.detroitk12.org/covid19#Additional%20Supports%20for%20ESE%20(Special%20Education)%20Students

‘We have kiddos regressing’: What shuttered schools mean for students with disabilities in Michigan" By Koby Levin  Apr 7, 2020, 8:21pm EDT

 https://detroit.chalkbeat.org/2020/4/7/21225513/we-have-kiddos-regressing-what-shuttered-schools-mean-for-students-with-disabilities-in-michigan

Jan 2020;  By Rochelle Riley: CHILDREN IN CRISIS

Mich. kids are going to school traumatized — and teachers lack training, resources to help

https://www.freep.com/in-depth/news/columnists/rochelle-riley/2019/12/13/special-education-trauma-kids-michigan-schools/3739003002/

Article mentions students being forced into Special Education classes.

June 14 2020 Detroit Public Schools Students' Literacy Lawsuit

Below is the latest news on the Detroit Public
School Students' Literacy lawsuit that was filed in 2016.

April 23, 2020 Michigan Radio "Federal Appeals Court sides with Detroit public school students in "literacy" lawsuit" https://www.michiganradio.org/post/federal-appeals-court-sides-detroit-public-school-students-literacy-lawsuit#:~:text=A%20federal%20appeals%20court%20has,of%20Detroit's%20worst%20performing%20schools.

Sunday June 14, 2020 Proposed mass water shut off in Detroit on June 20, 2020

Please share: Important Detroit Water Shutoff and Covid 19 info. #TurnWaterOn #KeepWaterOn #MakeWaterAffordable

There is a proposed mass water shut-off in Detroit, MI for June 20, 2020. Information for Detroit, MI residents

A. If you live in Detroit, have water shut off, or a shut-off notice, and need water call Wayne Metro at 313 386-9727

B. If you cannot get a response from Wayne Metro call MI EGLE to report what happened at 1-800-662-9278. Note: All other cities' residents without water restoration may also call MI EGLE. If you cannot get a response from either agency

Call our We the People of Detroit emergency water hotline at 1-844-42WATER (429-2837) to report your experience

C. If you or someone you know in Detroit, MI needs emergency water due to Dept of Water and Sewerage water shut off Call our We The People of Detroit emergency water hotline at 1-844-42WATER (429-2837)

D. To make a donation for us to get water for our water stations click here: https://www.wethepeopleofdetroit.com/get-involved

D. Latest article from Michigan Environmental Council

https://www.environmentalcouncil.org/support_emergency_water_deliveries_in_detroit

Covid 19 info: Detroit, MI Coronavirus and Covid-19 cases are now up to 65.8 percent in the African American population. We urge everyone living in the city or visiting to continue to wear a mask and social distance. https://codtableau.detroitmi.gov/t/DHD/views/CityofDetroit-PublicCOVIDDashboard/DemographicCasesDashboard?%3AisGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y&%3Aembed=y Other reports are now including "probable cases" numbers.

May 30th report on Michigan's Covid 19 rates: https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/michigan/2020/04/11/michigan-covid-19-data-cases-and-deaths-by-race-ethnicity/