Michigan Alliance for Families

A few weeks ago I spoke with Lisa Casper the Michigan Alliance for Families representative for the Western Upper Peninsula.  She was here in June to do a presentation on positive behavior supports at MARESA.

Michigan Alliance for Families  is a statewide resource to connect families of children with disabilities to resources to help improve their children’s education.  They help facilitate parent involvement as a means of improving educational services and outcomes for students with disabilities.

Lisa wanted to remind people of the resources they have available on their website. They have archived  webinars on different topics including autism, IEP's, transition and positive behavior supports (if you missed the program in June). They also have lots of resources about schools and the special education system.

As our local parent mentor, Lisa can assist you in navigating the educational system and is knowledgeable about state and local resources.  Parent Mentors support existing and emerging parent leaders involved with groups such as Local Interagency Coordinating Councils (LICCs), Parent Advisory Committees (PACs), the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), and the Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council (MICC).

You can contact Lisa at lisa@michiganallianceforfamilies.org (906) 483-0442.

Drama and dreams still has space for program starting 8/4

Just heard from Nikki Nason that they have a smaller group than normal signed up for this great week- long program for kids.  Do call her ASAP if you are interested: 906/362-6453.

This summer marks the fifth anniversary of Lake Superior Theatre's Drama & Dreams Playscape Summer Camp; a one-week theatre camp. Children with special needs are particularly encouraged to enroll.  Space is limited!  Due to the success of the camp for the past two years, people are already asking about it.  Please sign up now to reserve your child’s spot!   The camp is designed to help children, ages 8-14, work on socialization and communication skills as they learn about theatre, costume and set design, stage make-up, facial expression, voice projection, team building and leadership.    Students will sing, tell stories, read poetry and develop a live performance in a fun, safe, creative environment. Drama and Dreams Playscape Camp is being held 9 am-1pm on August 5th-8th (Monday-Thursday).  Most camp activities will take place at Graveraet School located at 611 N. Front St., and will culminate in a live performance for family and friends on the evening of Thursday, August 8th in Kaufman Auditorium.   There will be an optional final session/award celebration for students the morning of Friday, August 26. The cost is $40/person. Each child will receive a t-shirt for the final performance that s/he can keep.  Makeup, props, costuming and professional coaching will be provided.  Need based scholarships are available.