One Year Later – Reflections on the SEE Survey & Advocacy Priorities
Elevating lived experience, identifying system barriers, and amplifying voices of parents & students with disabilities
Special Education Experience (SEE) Survey:
Report to the Community
On October 24, 2024, the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) released the Statewide Special Education Experience (SEE) Survey: Report to the Community — the first statewide effort in nearly a decade to center the voices of Michigan students with disabilities, their parents, and caregivers.
With nearly 900 responses statewide, the SEE Survey revealed persistent barriers in Michigan’s special education system, including:
- Funding inequities
- Denied access to services
- Limited inclusion
- Inconsistent family engagement
These findings continue to inform collective advocacy efforts aimed at making Michigan a Top 10 state for special education access, opportunity, and outcomes.
Read the full report and explore six data “snapshots”:
https://
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AAoM+ MiPAAC =Advocacy in Action
Throughout 2025, AAoM has provided public comment at every Michigan State Board of Education meeting, elevating advocacy priorities identified through the SEE Survey and calling attention to the urgent need for meaningful reform.
Key advocacy priorities include:
Equity in resource allocation
Support for behavioral and medically necessary interventions in schools
Reduce exclusionary practices
Address disparities in discipline
Raise graduation rates
Enhance the process of identifying student needs
Learn more about AAoM’s ongoing advocacy:
- Autism Alliance of Michigan offers public comment to State Board of Education on Complaint Reform and Systemic Solutions (Sept 2025)
- Autism Alliance of Michigan presents public comment calling for the Modernizing Special Education Finance Through the MI Blueprint (Oct 2025)
SEE Survey in the News
Survey activates education advocacy for Michigan children with disabilities (Second Wave Media)
A powerful spotlight on the lived experiences of students with disabilities and their families across Michigan. The findings highlighted—such as limited inclusive opportunities, underfunded services, and the overuse of reactive behavioral responses—are far too familiar. It’s long past time for our education system to move from awareness to meaningful action. The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) and Michigan Parent, Advocate, and Attorney Coalition (MiPAAC) are stepping up: collecting critical input, amplifying voices, and demanding the reforms that were first called for nearly a decade ago. Together we can push Michigan toward an education system where students with disabilities are fully included, supported, and empowered.
https://secondwavemedia.com/
Report Reveals Michigan’s Special Education System Fails to Meet Students and Family’s Needs (Michigan Chronicle)
These findings are deeply concerning, but not surprising. The data confirm what families have been saying: from delayed identification and lack of inclusion to inadequate resources and disproportionately poor outcomes for Black students with disabilities. The SEE Survey report from AAoM makes it clear that the system is still falling short. It’s time for policymakers, district leaders, and educators to listen—and act. AAoM education initiatives are delivering a critical statewide voice and call on all stakeholders to use this evidence as a springboard for lasting change.
About the Autism Alliance of Michigan
The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) is a 501(c)(3) organization serving as a trusted ally and partner for thousands of families across the state. AAoM’s mission is to lead efforts to raise expectations and expand opportunities for people connected to autism across their lifespan. The organization’s Education pillar drives initiatives that address systemic barriers to education, focuses on student-centered advocacy, and educates families on related topics – working towards its goal to make Michigan a top 10 state for special education outcomes. For help finding resources, providers and information contact our AAoM Navigators at 877-463-2266 (AAOM) or email at navigator@aaomi.org.
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Are you a parent, advocate, or attorney dedicated to student-centered advocacy?
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