Disability Resources
for Washtenaw County, Michigan
If you know of changes to any of the resources on this page such as a new website or location, please email info@washtenawaca.org.
We want to keep this list updated and useful to ACA members and our community!
Members can always access our Education Session Video Library.
Education Resources
Michigan Alliance for Families
Michigan Alliance for Families provides information, support, and education for families who have children (birth through 26 years of age) who receive (or may be eligible to receive) special education services.
https://www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/
800-552-4821
Parent Mentor: Amy Sanderson
sanderson@michiganallianceforfamilies.org
734-926-8446
Lenawee, Monroe, and Washtenaw Counties
Washtenaw Intermediate School District
The WISD Special Education Department provides services and programs to support the efforts of 9 local school districts, 14 private school academies and 20 private schools.
https://www.washtenawisd.org/our-services/administrative-departments/special-education/resources/parent-advisory-committee-pac/
1819 S. Wagner Rd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1406
734-994-8100
Washtenaw ISD – Parent Advisory Committee
The Parent Advisory Committee is a group of parents of children with disabilities. Members are recommended by their public school agency for appointment by the WISD School Board. We discuss special education programs, issues and ideas on how to be of assistance to parents.
https://washtenawisd.org/departments/special-education/parent-advisory-committee
Michigan Department of Education (MDE)
Office of Special Education (OSE)
Do you have questions about special education?
https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/special-education
Information Line: 1-888-320-8384
Email: mde-ose@michigan.gov
Disability Rights Michigan
Formerly Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, Inc. (MPAS), Disability Rights Michigan’s services include information and referral, short-term assistance, selected individual and legal representation, systemic advocacy, monitoring, and training.
P: 517-487-1755, 800-288-5923(Voice)
TTY: 517-374-4687
Special Education Manual: https://www.drmich.org/resources/special-education/
Each chapter includes a brief summary, a list of “Advocacy Hints,” detailed descriptions of state and federal rights, sample letters, and resources for more information.
Client Assistance Program: https://www.drmich.org/services/client-assistance-program-cap/ It is designed to assist individuals with disabilities in understanding and using rehabilitation and independent living services. .
WrightsLaw
Parents, educators, advocates, and attorneys come to Wrightslaw for accurate, reliable information about special education law, education law, and advocacy for children with disabilities.
Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE)
Follow: https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/special-education/laws-regs
Special Education State Complaint: Procedures & Model Form
Procedures: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/StateComplaints_ProceduresModelForms_727396_7.pdf
Complaints: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/StateComplaintModelForm_727378_7.pdf
Parent Resources
Follow: https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/special-education/parent-resources
Family Matters
Our fact sheets explain special education laws and practices. https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/special-education/parent-resources/family-matters
Government Resources
Employment
Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS)
Developing customized workforce solutions for businesses and individuals with disabilities.
LOCAL OFFICE
3810 Packard St
Suite 170
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
734-677-1125
LEO-MRS-AAReferrals@michigan.gov
Bureau Of Services For Blind Persons (BSBP)
The Michigan Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) believes in the capacity of people who are blind or visually impaired to achieve employment and independence. BSBP provides training and other services that empower people to achieve their individual goals.
Follow: https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/bureau-of-services-for-blind-persons/broad-overview
Call: 517-241-1100
Community Living
Washtenaw Community Mental Health (WCCMH)
We provide mental health services to adults with a severe and persistent mental illness, children with a severe emotional disturbance, and individuals with a developmental disability, residing in the county.
https://www.washtenaw.org/839/Community-Mental-Health
734-544-3050 or 800-440-7548 at any time.
Family Services
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)
MDHHS administers financial assistance programs such as:
- Childcare assistance
- Medicaid
- SER utility assistance
- SNAP food benefits
22 Center St
Ypsilanti, MI 48198
734-481-2000
Family Support Subsidy
The Family Support Subsidy is a monthly cash payment available to families whose children with developmental disabilities have high care needs.
Application is through Washtenaw County Community Mental Health.
Visit: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/mentalhealth/mentalhealth/childrenandfamilies/fssp
Children’s Waiver Program (CWP)
The Children’s Waiver Program is for children with developmental disabilities and significant behavioral and/or medical care needs that require Medicaid home and community based services in order for the child to remain in the family home.
Only the child’s income and resources are considered when determining financial eligibility for the program; parental income and resources are not considered.
Housing
Housing Alliance of Washtenaw County (HAWC)
HAWC is Washtenaw County’s central intake for individuals and families who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. The central intake is the single point of entry for all emergency shelters and housing resources that are available to serve people experiencing homelessness in the county. Residents of Washtenaw County may call HAWC for housing assistance, information and/or referral. Please note: there is a severe shortage of housing resources in Washtenaw County and HAWC is not able to help all people who are experiencing a housing crisis.
734-961-1999
Avalon Housing
Avalon Housing is a nonprofit services provider, real estate developer and property manager. We own and manage 288 rental units in over 20 properties in Washtenaw County. We provide support services to our tenants and to individuals and families living in public housing and in units owned by private landlords.
734-663-5858
Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living
Social Security
Social Security Administration (SSA)
Disability Benefits:
https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/
3971 Research Park Dr
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
800-772-1213
FIND YOUR LOCAL OFFICE:
https://www.ssa.gov/locator/
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services
Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) Division On Deaf, Deafblind And Hard Of Hearing
This state office concentrates on helping to improve the lives of Michigan’s Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing citizens.
https://www.michigan.gov/mdcr/divisions/doddbhh
VP: 313-437-7035
Toll-Free Voice/TTY: 313-437-7035
Advocacy Resources
Arc United States
The Arc promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.
202-534-3700
800-433-5255
Arc Michigan
The mission of The Arc Michigan is to ensure that people with Developmental Disabilities are valued in order that they and their families can participate fully in and contribute to their community.
https://arcmi.org
800-292-7851
Tax Guide: The Arc MI provides a yearly tax guide for individuals and their families with disabilities.
ADAPT
ADAPT is a national grass-roots community that organizes disability rights activists to engage in nonviolent direct action, including civil disobedience, to assure the civil and human rights of people with disabilities to live in freedom.
Visit: https://adapt.org/
Minnesota Developmental Disabilities Council – Parallels in Time
A History of Developmental Disability
Minnesota Developmental Disabilities Council – Partners in Policymaking Online
5 Online Courses:
- Partners in Living
- Partners in Time
- Partners in Education
- Making Your Case
- Partners in Employment
Minnesota Developmental Disabilities Council – App – Telling Your Story
The app, “Telling Your Story,” helps you create and practice your personal story with tips on how to best present yourself, to help inform and educate your elected public officials about issues that are important to you.
- iPhone/iPad
- Amazon Kindle
- Android tablet & phone
Developmental Disabilities Institute – WSU – Possibilities
View 5-6 minute videos telling the story of people with developmental disabilities leading their lives.
Karen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGWu4cu_cfQ
Abby: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELUbi2zhUNk
Liz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IREiWxNeI7g
Greta:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gZcRBEAFds
Emily: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wdNPlXsfCc
Alex: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6n66w575a0&t=2s
The ARC Michigan Michigan History of Our State Institutions for People with Developmental Disabilities
This video documents this regretful history and celebrates the hard work of families and advocates with the final closure of our last institution in Michigan in 2010.
Living My Own Life: Adults with Disabilities (2000)
Washtenaw ACA and DDI video showing people living in their community. (2000)
Michigan Partner in Freedom “What Does Freedom Mean”
Video of individuals with I/DD expressing what “Freedom” means to them.
Center for Self Determination
The Center for Self-Determination has information about the philosophy of self-determination, and resources for how people with disabilities can use publicy funded and natural supports to live more self-determined lives.
The National Resource Center for Supported Decision-Making
Helping people with disabilities live amazing lives through supported decision making.
Transportation Resources
A2DDA
Accessible Downtown Parking
You can find accessible parking in downtown Ann Arbor at the Downtown Development Authority website:
Amtrak
Amtrak offers a 10% rail fare discount to adult passengers with a disability. Amtrak also offers a 10% discount for persons traveling with a passenger with a disability as a companion.
https://www.amtrak.com/passengers-with-disabilities-discounts
Michigan Flyer
Michigan’s Premier Motorcoach Connection between East Lansing, Brighton, Ann Arbor & Detroit Metro Airport
AAATA
ARide
ARide is a shared ride, advanced reservation, ADA paratransit service intended to provide a comparable level of transportation to that which is provided by a TheRide fixed-route bus. A-Ride riders share trips if they are generally traveling in the same direction at the same time. Trips are scheduled without regard to the purpose of the trip. A-Ride trips are provided in lift-equipped buses and sedan type vehicles.
CHECK ELIGIBILITY
https://www.theride.org/services/ride-eligibility
MAKE RESERVATION
https://www.theride.org/services/ride-reservations
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
TSA Cares is a helpline that provides travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances additional assistance during the security screening process.
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/passenger-support
Call: 855-787-2227
Federal Relay: 711
Weekdays: 8 am – 11 pm ET
Weekends/Holidays: 9 am – 8 pm ET
Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express
(WAVE) Bus
Western-Washtenaw Area Value Express (WAVE) is a non-profit service organization that exists to provide affordable transportation to older adults, persons with disabilities, and other transit-dependent individuals in western Washtenaw County. Show your ARide card for reduced rate on WAVE.
Monday – Friday, 8am – 4:15 pm
Call: 734-475-9494
Ann Arbor Area Transit Authority (AAATA)
TheRide
Travel Training
Learn how to use public transportation and travel independently through our Travel Training program. TheRide offers Travel Training at no cost, designed to help those who may require further assistance before riding our buses. For more information or to register for training, call Tracy Byrd 734-794-1721.
https://www.theride.org/services/fixed-route
Services and accommodations are available for individuals with a disability and seniors.
734-996-0400
Office hours:
Monday-Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 – 11:00 am & 12:00 – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 – 5:00 pm
Savings, Income, Finance
MiABLE
The Michigan Able Act was signed into law in October 2015, following passage in December 2014 of the federal Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, which authorized states to establish tax-advantaged savings programs for individuals with disabilities.
The goal is to encourage and assist individuals and families in saving funds that help individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence and quality of life without jeopardizing benefits provided through private insurance, Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid, the beneficiary’s employment and other sources.
Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE) National Resource Center
Is a collaborative whose supporters share the goal of accelerating the design and availability of ABLE accounts for the benefit of individuals with disabilities and their families.
Michigan Individual Development Account Partnership
IDA participants are at, or below, 200% of the poverty level ($33,820/yr for family of two in 2019). The goal is for participants and their families to change their attitude and relationship to money. Participants complete financial management classes and training related to their asset goal while saving regularly in their IDA. Their savings of up to $1,000 are matched at a typical ratio of 3:1 for a home purchase and 2:1 for post-secondary education/job training or to start/expand a small business. Rates may vary depending on program site and funding sources.
Alexander W. Hermanowski Hermanowski Law, PLLC
Estate planning, probate, and criminal defense
(734) 887-6079
hermanowskilaw.com
Disability Planning Center
An EMU resource center on both financial health/future planning, and health/wellness information for people with disabilities and their families.
Jessica Kelly, Maple Law Group
Jessica has assisted students, children, and families since 2002. Working in areas of K-12 special education advocacy, higher education regulation and policy, and public service, she developed a full range of skills before becoming an attorney. In her legal practice, Jessica uses her experience to assist families in the areas of probate, estate planning (including wills, trusts, special needs trusts, and powers of attorney), guardianship/conservatorship and alternatives, and general family law matters. As an attorney who serves individuals with special needs, and as a mother who has advocated for the rights of her own children, she understands that extra attention needs to be paid when an estate plan, divorce or custody, and other matters include people with disabilities.
1892 W. Stadium Blvd.
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
734-412-6483
jkelly@maplelawgroup.com
Community Resources
Food & Necessities
Food Pantries
Food Gatherers works with more than 150 partner programs throughout Washtenaw County. Many of these programs are open to the public and make food available to eligible community members.
Available Food Map – search for food pantries, distributions, and free meals available in your community.
Available Food List – a list of all food pantries, distributions and free meals available to the public in Washtenaw County.
Farmer’s Markets
Washtenaw Markets is a website to find farmers markets throughout Washtenaw County.
Faith In Action
Faith In Action, with the help of many businesses, community groups, and congregational supporters, works to provide essential support to alleviate the effects of hunger and poverty in western Washtenaw County.
Faith in Action
603 S. Main St.
Chelsea, MI 48118
Telephone Number: 734-475-3305
FIA Dexter Food Pantry
7275 Joy Rd.
Dexter, Michigan 48103
Tel: 734-426-7002
Argus Farm Stop – Ann Arbor
https://www.argusfarmstop.com/
Weekly Produce Subscription box
They have grant programs that make this very affordable for those with an EBT. https://www.argusfarmstop.com/weekly-produce-box.
Email for more info: hub@argusfarmstop.com
Amazon Prime
Prime is lowered to $6.99/Month for qualifying customers with an EBT or Medicaid Card
Utilities
DTE
DTE Energy’s Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP) is a low, affordable payment plan for eligible low income families. This program allows you to make affordable monthly payments based on your income. The remaining portion of your bill is paid monthly with your energy assistance funds. As a State Emergency Relief (SER) recipient you may be eligible for additional assistance.
Consumers Energy
If you need assistance managing your energy bill, the Consumers Affordable Resource for Energy (CARE) Program may help.
CARE is a two-year affordable payment plan that helps you stay on top of your energy bills. As a CARE member, you will receive the following benefits:
- A portion of your monthly bill will be paid by the program
- Any past due balance you might have will be gradually forgiven as a reward for on time payments
As a CARE member, you may also be eligible to receive no-cost, in-home energy efficiency upgrades to help reduce you energy costs through our Helping Neighbors Program. To learn more, call 877-448-9433 or visit https://www.consumersenergy.com/residential/account-and-billing/billing-and-payment/payment-assistance.
Xfinity
Internet Essentials from Xfinity. Affordable Internet at Home for eligible households
https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/internet-essentials
Healthcare & Medical Equipment
Dr. Susan Ernst: Obstetrics & Gynecology at Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital
Clinic for girls and women with Disabilities.
734-763-6295
https://www.umwomenshealth.org/profile/2843/susan-dwyer-ernst-md
Ramps
Ramps.org is a website with information and resources about ramps, including ramps for homes, businesses and vehicles.
Link has local project contact information.
Medical Equipment Loan Closet
A medical equipment donate and share program.
Bethlehem United Church of Christ
Used canes, walkers, bath chairs, wheelchairs, etc. when available. No hospital beds. Please call to check for availability.
423 S. Fourth Ave.
Ann Arbor, MI
Phone Number: 734-665-6149
Website: http://www.bethlehem-ucc.org
Hours
Monday – Friday 9:00am – 3:00pm
Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Durable Medical equipment that is donated to the church such as Wheelchairs, Tub Seating, Crutches, Canes, Walkers and Bedside Commodes.
201 North River
Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Email: emmanuel@provide.net
Phone Number: 734-482-7121
Family Support
St. Luke Lutheran Church
FREE respite program for parents who have children with special needs (Parents Night Out). The program is offered from 6-9 p.m. on the first Friday of every month from October-June at St. Luke Lutheran Church – Ann Arbor, MI. Click here for more information.
St. Francis of Assisi Parish
Offers disability accommodations for the children of their parishioners in their Religious Education program.
Contact Ellen Ward (734-821-2130, ward@stfrancisa2.org) or the teacher of the class, Lucia Rondon-Cardone at luciacb70@hotmail.com to learn more.
Disability-Specific Resources
Autism
Autism Alliance of Michigan
We are leading collaborative efforts across the state that will improve the quality of life for individuals with autism through education, access to comprehensive services, community awareness, inclusion efforts, and coordinated advocacy.
Visit: https://autismallianceofmichigan.org
877-463-AAOM
Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Michigan Hands and Voices
Michigan Hands & Voices is a chapter of the nationwide non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, as well as the professionals who serve them.
Guide By Your Side™ (GBYS)* is a program for families of children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
GBYS gives families an opportunity to meet with another parent of a Deaf or Hard of Hearing child, called a Parent Guide. The program is free to all Michigan families.
Visit: http://www.mihandsandvoices.org
248-845-8762
Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) Division On Deaf, Deafblind And Hard Of Hearing
This state office concentrates on helping to improve the lives of Michigan’s Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing citizens.
https://www.michigan.gov/mdcr/0,4613,7-138-28545—,00.html
VP: 313-437-7035
Toll-Free Voice/TTY: 313-437-7035
Fetal Alcohol
University of Michigan
CS Mott Children’s Hospital
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Testing (FAS)
The Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Clinic at the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital specializes in the diagnosis of children who have behavioral and cognitive problems related to prenatal alcohol exposure. We offer a comprehensive evaluation with an expert team of doctors.
Visit: http://www.mottchildren.org/FASD
734-936-9777
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. FASDs are preventable if a woman does not drink alcohol during pregnancy.
Michigan Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Task Force
The Michigan FASD Task Force is a collaboration of self-advocates, family members, disability researchers, and policy makers who come together to address FASD through awareness, prevention, and greater access to services.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) United
FASD United (formerly NOFAS, the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome), is focused on connecting families and advocating for FASD-informed resources and services.
Visit: https://fasdunited.org/
Trauma
Western Michigan University Resiliency Center for Families and Children (RCFC)
The goal of the center is to assess the impact to children following exposure to traumatic events or suspected fetal alcohol exposure.
Established to provide assessments for children who have experienced trauma and adverse childhood experiences. The CTAC team also provides professional training and coordinates projects in order to create trauma-informed systems and services.
Visit: https://wmich.edu/unifiedclinics/resiliencycenter
269-387-7073
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
“Our mission is to raise the standard of care and improve access to services for traumatized children, their families and communities throughout the United States.”
Visit: https://www.nctsn.org/