Heather Eckner

Autism Alliance provides public comment to the State Board of Education on the Special Education Experience Survey (March 11, 2025) Autism Alliance of Michigan Public Comment State Board of Education March 11, 2025 Read here: 2025.0311 Autism Alliance Public Comment_State Board of Ed_Special Education Experience Survey Good afternoon board members, Superintendent, and department staff.  The […]

Meeting the Moment with Collective Action Stronger Together. Read the MiPAAC member communication here: https://mailchi.mp/aaomi/mipaac-us-dept-ed-meeting-moment-collective-action Based on an update from The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights during an action call this morning (March 7), it is expected that the Trump administration will issue an Executive Order (EO) regarding the U.S. Department of Education (ED) today.

Autism Alliance response as Gov. Whitmer Announces Michigan’s High School Graduation Rate Reaches a Record High Publication date: February 24, 2025 Statement: Autism Alliance response as Gov. Whitmer Announces Michigan’s High School Graduation Rate Reaches a Record High SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) applauds the announcement by Gov. Whitmer regarding the

Autism Alliance provides public comment to the State Board of Education on the Special Education Experience Survey (February 11, 2025) Autism Alliance of Michigan Public Comment State Board of Education February 11, 2025 Read here: 2025.0211 Autism Alliance Public Comment_State Board of Ed_Special Education Experience Survey Good afternoon board members, Superintendent, and department staff.  My

Autism Alliance: Students with disabilities need steady leadership, not confusion and chaos Publication date: February 5, 2025 By: Heather Eckner, Director of Statewide Education, Autism Alliance of Michigan Read here: 2025.0205 Autism Alliance blog post_Students with disabilities need steady leadership UPDATE: This blog was picked up by The Education Trust (February 11, 2025) What Happens

Autism Alliance applauds COPAA amicus brief regarding OCR investigation against the Michigan Department of Education Publication date: February 6th, 2025 Read the brief here: https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.copaa.org/resource/resmgr/docs/2025_docs_/copaa.amicus.pdf  SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) applauds the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) in filing an amicus brief related to an administrative proceeding the Office

Autism Alliance provides public comment to the State Board of Education on the Special Education Experience Survey (January 14, 2025) Autism Alliance of Michigan Public Comment State Board of Education January 14, 2025 Read here: 2025.0114 Autism Alliance Public Comment_State Board of Ed_Special Education Experience Survey Good afternoon board members, Superintendent, and department staff.  My

Advocacy in Action: holding systems accountable 2024.1218 AAoM Public Comment on Michigan One Percent Alternate Assessment Waiver AAoM submitted public comments via the Online Survey link provided on the MDE site, per its stated process. AAoM also submitted our organization’s comments via email (MDE-ESSA@michigan.gov) as we find the survey platform to be somewhat limiting for

Autism Alliance applauds Congressional floor speech calling for urgent action to support students with disabilities Publication date: December 16, 2024 Media statement: Autism Alliance applauds Congressional floor speech calling for urgent action to support students with disabilities Congresswoman Tlaib addresses the floor on December 5, 2024 making call for full IDEA funding and drawing attention

Michigan is not adequately meeting the needs of students with disabilities, leading to poor outcomes in education. Publication date: December 13th, 2024 Press Release: Autism Alliance releases working paper calling for new framework to special education finance in Michigan View the working paper – Funding Our Future: The Call for a New Framework in Special

Special Education Day 49th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Publication date: December 2, 2024 Governor Whitmer proclaimed December 2 Special Education in Michigan (2022) In 1975, President Gerald Ford signed into law the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (Public Law 94-142), now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

A message to the members of the Michigan Parent, Advocate & Attorney Coalition Publication date: November 12, 2024 As we continue to digest national and statewide news, while also processing the coming transition of administrations and legislatures, we stay grounded in the resolve of our purpose. MiPAAC strives to be an inclusive space where students

Report reveals Michigan’s special education system fails to meet student and family needs Publication date: October 24, 2024 Press Release: Michigan Special Education Experience Survey – Report to the Community Nine years after the statewide taskforce recommended reforms, Autism Alliance of Michigan survey shows no improvements in special education. SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — The Autism Alliance

Bi-partisan legislation focused on improving early screening and teacher training a move in the right direction for Michigan students and educators Publication date: October 11, 2024 Autism Alliance and MiPAAC celebrate ‘Literacy 4 ALL’ legislation – press release The Michigan Parent, Advocate & Attorney Coalition (MiPAAC) powered by the Autism Alliance of Michigan celebrates the

Are you a parent, advocate, or attorney dedicated to student-centered advocacy? Join MiPAAC! mipaac.org/join-mipaac This month marks the 4th anniversary of the Michigan Parent, Advocate & Attorney Coalition (MiPAAC), powered by the Autism Alliance of Michigan. Over the past four years, MiPAAC has grown into a robust statewide network of over 300 members, each dedicated

Autism Alliance of Michigan drives new path toward equity & adequacy in special education finance reform In March 2024, the Autism Alliance of Michigan made a public call for Special Education Finance Reform Look for our working paper – coming soon! A New Path Toward Equity and Adequacy The Autism Alliance of Michigan has been

Advocacy in Action: holding systems accountable Autism Alliance submits Public Comment on Michigan’s Annual State Application for Funds under IDEA Part C for FFY 2024 Last year, the Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) released an Education Stakeholder Analysis that included significant participation from a robust field of cross-sector representation. Read more here: Autism Alliance of