Three grant-funded projects overseen by the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services(MDE, OSE -EIS) are being nationally recognized for their work in improving special education services and school culture for all students. The grants, referred to as Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Mandated Activities Projects (MAPs) are being rewarded with federal funding and requests for collaborative work with projects from other states.

These honors represent the high regard the projects are earning nationwide.

Michigan ’s Integrated Behavior and Learning Support Initiative (MiBLSi) received two grants to assist in its expansion across the state. MiBLSi began implementing school-based programs in 2003 to provide support for improving behav­ior and reading among students within 22 elementary and middle schools. The project has since grown to more than 250 schools.

With the support of an OSEP-funded grant, Michigan’s Integrated Technology Supports (MITS) is actively working within the state and in collaboration with other states to improve the process of providing accessible instruc­tional materials (AIM) to students with print and reading disabilities. Accessible instructional materials are alternatives for students who are unable or struggle to gain meaning from printed text. Federal mandates entitle eligible students to be provided with AIM in a timely manner.

STatewide Autism Resources and Training (START) Michi­gan was one of three states chosen by the OSEP-funded National Professional Development Center (NPDC) on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) to participate in a training and technical assistance program. The OSE -EIS grant STatewide Autism Resources and Training (START) represented Michigan in its bid to be selected.

For more descriptions and contact information related to these programs, you can download this document:

www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/OSE_Awarded_Programs_256085_7.pdf.