Educational Advocacy Program

The Arc of Mid-Michigan offers Educational Advocacy Services to support families in navigating the special education system. Our advocates work alongside families to ensure students receive the services and accommodations they need to thrive in school.

How It Works

Initial Contact & Form Submission
- Families interested in advocacy services must first complete our Educational Advocacy Intake Form to provide details about their student's needs.
Family Membership Requirement
- Once the intake form is submitted, families are required to purchase a Family Membership through The Arc of Mid-Michigan.
- The annual membership fee is $35 and grants access to advocacy services, resources, and support for the school year.
- This fee must be paid during intake and is non-refundable.
- Payment may be made by check (payable to The Arc of Mid-Michigan and mailed to P.O. Box 63, Owosso, Mi 48867) or on our website, the family membership under the membership tab (please select advocacy when submitting your online application).
Next Steps: Consultation & Document Review
- Once the intake form is submitted and membership is completed, our team will contact you to discuss the next steps.
  - Gathering and reviewing relevant documents (IEPs, 504 Plans, assessments, etc.).
  - Scheduling the consultation with our Educational Advocate.
One-Hour Consultation
- As part of the membership, families receive a one-hour consultation with our Educational Advocate.
- During this session, we will:
  - Review any relevant documents (IEPs, 504 Plans, assessments, etc.).
  - Discuss the student's specific needs.
  - Explain our advocacy services, pricing, and expectations for ongoing support.

Get Started Today!

To begin the process, complete the intake form on this page. Once submitted, you will receive instructions on how to purchase your Family Membership and collect all necessary documents for the Advocate Consultation.

For questions, contact us at 989-723-7377. We look forward to supporting your family on this journey!

Why is Educational Advocacy Important?

· Ensures students receive appropriate services and accommodations.

· Helps parents and guardians understand their rights.

· Encourages collaboration between families and schools.

· Promotes inclusion and equal opportunities for all students.

How We Can Help:

· Guidance on Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans.

· Assistance in school meetings and evaluations.

· Support in understanding laws and policies affecting special education.

· Advocacy training for parents and guardians.

Educational Advocacy

The Arc of Mid-Michigan’s educational advocates ensure that students with disabilities receive the support they need to thrive. Our advocates assist families in understanding their rights, guiding them through the process, and working with schools to develop effective learning plans.

Please call 989-723-7277 more information.