Parent Advisory Committee - Washtenaw Intermediate School District

One of the resources is the lending library at the Information Resource Network (IRN).As a parent of a student with special needs, you may check out books and materials from theIRN, either on-line or in person.The WISD also has a resource called the ATAC (Assistive Technology andAugmentative Communication) Lab, located in the IRN, where you may learn aboutassistive communication devices, computer programs, and other technology to help yourstudent at home, in school, and in the community.Project PERFORM is a statewide, parent-facilitated information and support resource forfamilies, housed on the WISD campus. You may call 1-800-552-4821, or access thewebsite at http://www.wash.k12.mi.us/perform. Project PERFORM can also direct youto local support groups and is a good starting point for a web search about disabilities andparent support organizations.Be sure to check out the Achievement Initiatives section of the WISD websitehttp://www.wash.k12.mi.us/achieve/eip. Most classes listed under “professionaldevelopment workshops” are also open to interested parents, and can provide helpfulinformation about a variety of topics.Other references include the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education, which maybe found on the State of Michigan Department of Education website, at:http://www.michigan.gov/documents/May05RevAdmRulesSpecialEducation_125927_7.pdfandhttp://www.michigan.gov/documents/Rules_28909_7.pdfThe home page for the Michigan Department of Education is:http://www.michigan.gov/mdeFrom here, go to the “site map” to find the Department of Special Education, and muchmore.The provision of special education services is also regulated by Federal Law, known as theIDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Information on Federal Regulationsmay be found at:http://www.ed.gov/policy/speced/guid/idea/idea2004.htmlBecoming an informed parent can help you to advocate for your child, work with your child’steam, and help your child to succeed.Respectfully,Washtenaw ISD Parent Advisory Committee2