From Awareness to Action — How Families, Advocates, and Educators Can Drive Change Together
This is post #4 in the MiPAAC: Reimagining Special Education Series
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November 27, 2025
Over the past few posts, we’ve explored why good intentions aren’t enough, why support alone can’t fix inequitable systems, and what true system-changing allyship looks like in special education.
Today, we focus on impact — and how we can all move from awareness to action.
The Impact: From Temporary Relief to Lasting Change
Support matters.
But support without systems change leaves inequities intact.
Real allyship transforms the landscape:
Students gain meaningful access to instruction, services, and opportunities that truly meet their needs. Families no longer have to fight for supports that federal law already guarantees. Educators feel supported, prepared, and empowered to deliver high-quality instruction. Michigan moves toward equitable outcomes, not just compliant paperwork.
How We Can Drive Change Together
Systemic change is collaborative. Families, advocates, and educators each play a critical role:
Families: Share lived experience, inform policy, and hold systems accountable. Advocates: Lift up evidence, challenge inequitable policies, and build coalitions. Educators: Implement best practices, mentor peers, and engage in continuous improvement.When we combine our voices, expertise, and determination, we move beyond temporary fixes to lasting change that benefits every student with a disability.
MiPAAC, powered by the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM), is committed to leading this work — and we invite every partner across the state to join us in transforming Michigan’s special education system.
Together, we can build a system worthy of every child. And we can ensure IDEA’s promise is fully realized for all students.
Learn more about how AAoM is elevating the lived experience, identifying system barriers, and amplifying the voices of parents and students with disabilities connected to the special education system in Michigan to inform our collective advocacy efforts through our Special Education Experience (SEE) Survey: Report to the Community bit.ly/AAOM-SEE
