Resources for Families

Washtenaw ISD provides early childhood and special education services from birth through age 26 across Washtenaw County.  Our district aims to provide exceptional service to each young child, student, and family we support.

Quick Links

The WISD Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) exists to serve two basic functions:

  • To advise the WISD Board of Education on matters pertaining to special education; and
  • To fulfill those responsibilities designated in PA 451. The PAC also facilitates communication, awareness, and involvement between parents, local districts, Boards of Education/Boards of Directors and the Intermediate School District.

The ultimate goal of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD), Special Education Department is the successful transition of all students from school to post-school activities - whether postsecondary education, vocational training, integrated employment, continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living or community participation.  

Transition planning is the foundation for IEP planning process. The purpose of this website is to assist all stakeholders (students, teachers, families, and other school personnel) in developing and implementing the Transition IEP and transition planning throughout the secondary years.  

Upcoming Events in the Community

Community Agency Supports

Workshops & Webinars

Upcoming 25-26 WISD Transition Student and Parent/Guardian Workshops

Sept 2025 - Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy September 30, 2025 5:30-6:30pm Medicaid Information, Social Security Benefits - washtenawaca.org

Oct 2025 - Transition Information Services Student and Parent Workshop October 23, 2025 9-11:30am Many agencies to speak and work with families - Join us on Zoom

March 2026 - Transition Law Night Workshop March 19, 2026 6-7:30pm Introduction to Postsecondary Transition Law/Information

April 2026 - MI Able Parent Workshop April 7, 2026 5:30-6:30pm Benefits for setting up MI Able accounts for your student's care and well-being - miable.org

May 2026 - Transition Information Services Student and Parent Workshop May 14, 2026 5-7:30pm Many agencies to speak and work with families - Join us on Zoom

For more information: call (734) 994-8100 ext. 1520 or email

Calendar

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What is happening the next 2 weeks.

October 8
PAX Gymnastics - Our Play Ground
8:30 AM
PAX Gymnastics, 375 E North St Suite #101, Chelsea, MI 48118, USA
PAX Gymnastics - Our Play Ground
Date: Oct 8
Time: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Location: PAX Gymnastics, 375 E North St Suite #101, Chelsea, MI 48118, USA
Calendar: Community Events
A soft, welcoming space for adults to PLAY (unstructured with minimal instruction). 
  • Climbing wall
  • Obstacle course
  • Soft spring floor
  • Hula hoops
  • Yoga balls
  • Hippity Hop
  • Frisbee
  • Foot/hand-bag
  • Balloon dancing
  • Slack-line

Plus: Amazing music to dance, move and roll with.

Sliding Scale: $15-$20
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
10:00 AM
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
Date: Oct 8
Time: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Calendar: Community Events

Practice your English as a Second Language (ESL) skills for free over Zoom. To participate, you must live, work, volunteer, or go to school in Washtenaw County. For Intermediate - Advanced Level English Learners.  

No ID or personal information required.  Visit Washtenaw Literacy ESL to register.

Citizenship Tutoring Available!
October 9
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
7:00 AM
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
Date: Oct 9
Time: 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM
Calendar: Community Events

Practice your English as a Second Language (ESL) skills for free over Zoom. To participate, you must live, work, volunteer, or go to school in Washtenaw County. For Intermediate - Advanced Level English Learners.  

No ID or personal information required.  Visit Washtenaw Literacy ESL to register. 

No Class on 11/27
Understanding Personal Curriculum and Graduation
4:00 PM
Understanding Personal Curriculum and Graduation
Date: Oct 9
Time: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Calendar: Community Events


As youth with disabilities move through school, we need to think about what comes next. This is called post-secondary transition planning. Transition is the individualized action plan that addresses the skills, programs, and opportunities needed for the student to be successful after their school career ends.

Parents of middle and high school students with an IEP have four webinar opportunities to explore different aspects of transition in October. Learn more about the tools, resources, and support needed to navigate a successful transition from school to adult life.

October 9 - Understanding Personal Curriculum and Graduation Learn about the Personal Curriculum option that allows for certain modifications to the state's high school graduation requirements. https://tinyurl.com/4fu6vfew

UNDERSTANDING PERSONAL CURRICULUM AND GRADUATION

WITH RASHELL BOWERMAN, Michigan Dept of Education

OCTOBER 9, 2025

4:00PM-6:00PM


High school graduation is a big step into the start of adult life. To earn a diploma students must earn the 18 Michigan Merit Curriculum (MMC) credits plus meet any additional district requirements. However, there is flexibility to modify the MMC when needed.


School teams can use a student’s Educational Development Plan, Individualized Education Program, and Transition Plan to individualize their course of study based on the student’s post-school plans. By using a Personal Curriculum (PC) schools can waive MMC credits. This allows students to personalize their schedule and make the most of their high school years.


This webinar will:

  • Define the 18 required MMC credits
  • Explain the modifications that are allowed through a PC
  • Provide guidance on how to make MMC requests
  • Include considerations for students with an IEP


Scenarios will be shared to see how MMC decisions are made for different students


Who should attend? Families with middle and high school aged children, school staff, and other members of the community who support these students


Register at: https://tinyurl.com/4fu6vfew


If you require accommodations or materials in an alternative format, please let us know two weeks before the workshop.


Have questions about this event or other special education questions?

Ask us!

info@michiganallianceforfamilies.org

1-800-552-4821

En Español

313-217-1060

للغه العربيه 

248-963-0607


Find additional learning opportunities on our calendar of events.
October 10
Digital Literacy Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
12:00 PM
Ypsilanti District Library - Whittaker Road, 5577 Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
Digital Literacy Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
Date: Oct 10
Time: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Ypsilanti District Library - Whittaker Road, 5577 Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
Calendar: Community Events
Build Essential Tech Skills:Free for adults 
  • How to Use Computers, Phones, and Tablets 
  • Internet Safety and Privacy 
  • Email and Social Media Etiquette 
  • Digital Skills for Fun, Work and Everyday Life 
  • Using Zoom for appointments  

No Registration Needed!
Personal Devices Welcome
Special Olympics Swimming (U of M)
4:00 PM
Ann Arbor YMCA, 400 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA
Special Olympics Swimming (U of M)
Date: Oct 10
Time: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: Ann Arbor YMCA, 400 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA
Calendar: Community Events
For information on the UM SO College unified swim practices at the YMCA in Ann Arbor: email Kathryn Hemmila at khemmila@umich.edu
October 13
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
2:00 PM
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
Date: Oct 13
Time: 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Calendar: Community Events
Practice your English as a Second Language (ESL) skills for free over Zoom.To participate, you must live, work, volunteer, or go to school in Washtenaw County.For Intermediate - Advanced Level English Learners.  

No ID or personal information required.  Visit Washtenaw Literacy ESL to register.
October 14
WISD Board of Education Regular Meeting
5:00 AM
1819 S. Wagner Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103
WISD Board of Education Regular Meeting
Date: Oct 14
Time: 5:00 AM to 6:30 PM
Location: 1819 S. Wagner Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Calendar: WISD Calendar
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
7:00 AM
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
Date: Oct 14
Time: 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM
Calendar: Community Events

Practice your English as a Second Language (ESL) skills for free over Zoom. To participate, you must live, work, volunteer, or go to school in Washtenaw County. For Intermediate - Advanced Level English Learners.  

No ID or personal information required.  Visit Washtenaw Literacy ESL to register.
Adaptive Archery
1:00 PM
1120 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
Adaptive Archery
Date: Oct 14
Time: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: 1120 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
Calendar: Community Events

Adaptive Archery

Please see attached flyer for adaptive archery information! We will be partnering with Metroparks Toledo again to bring adaptive archery to Ann Arbor on Tuesday, October 14th from 1-2 and 2:30-3:30pm.

Adventure Education Center at Radrick Property
1120 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor

Register here: UMAISE Event Registration

Adaptive Archery
2:30 PM
1120 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
Adaptive Archery
Date: Oct 14
Time: 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Location: 1120 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
Calendar: Community Events

Adaptive Archery

Please see attached flyer for adaptive archery information! We will be partnering with Metroparks Toledo again to bring adaptive archery to Ann Arbor on Tuesday, October 14th from 1-2 and 2:30-3:30pm.

Adventure Education Center at Radrick Property
1120 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor

Register here: UMAISE Event Registration

October 15
PAX Gymnastics - Our Play Ground
8:30 AM
PAX Gymnastics, 375 E North St Suite #101, Chelsea, MI 48118, USA
PAX Gymnastics - Our Play Ground
Date: Oct 15
Time: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Location: PAX Gymnastics, 375 E North St Suite #101, Chelsea, MI 48118, USA
Calendar: Community Events
A soft, welcoming space for adults to PLAY (unstructured with minimal instruction). 
  • Climbing wall
  • Obstacle course
  • Soft spring floor
  • Hula hoops
  • Yoga balls
  • Hippity Hop
  • Frisbee
  • Foot/hand-bag
  • Balloon dancing
  • Slack-line

Plus: Amazing music to dance, move and roll with.

Sliding Scale: $15-$20
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
10:00 AM
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
Date: Oct 15
Time: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Calendar: Community Events

Practice your English as a Second Language (ESL) skills for free over Zoom. To participate, you must live, work, volunteer, or go to school in Washtenaw County. For Intermediate - Advanced Level English Learners.  

No ID or personal information required.  Visit Washtenaw Literacy ESL to register.

Citizenship Tutoring Available!
Club SkyWild
7:00 PM
Work and Play Special Needs Resource Center, 444 N Hewitt Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
Club SkyWild
Date: Oct 15
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Work and Play Special Needs Resource Center, 444 N Hewitt Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
Calendar: Community Events




Welcome to Club SkyWild


Club SkyWild is a unique social program for neurodivergent adults (ages 18+) designed to foster connection, creativity, and fun. Held the third Wednesday of each month from 7–9 PM in Ypsilanti, MI, participants enjoy a vibrant mix of activities, from painting and cooking classes, to game tournaments, to laid-back chats in a cozy quiet room. Upon arrival, you'll receive SkyWild Dollars called "Hollars" to spend on snacks, drinks, and activities, letting you practice money management while having a blast. Whether you're crafting, cooking, or just catching up with friends, Club SkyWild is a welcoming space to relax, learn new skills, and explore your creativity.

Register





Pricing Information

Drop-In Rate: $25 per session
Pay as you go and join us for any session that fits your schedule!

 

6-Session Package: $125
Save by purchasing a 6-session package! This flexible option allows you to attend any six sessions of your choice over time.

 

Both options include access to all activities, snacks, drinks, and the full Club SkyWild experience.


October 16
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
7:00 AM
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
Date: Oct 16
Time: 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM
Calendar: Community Events

Practice your English as a Second Language (ESL) skills for free over Zoom. To participate, you must live, work, volunteer, or go to school in Washtenaw County. For Intermediate - Advanced Level English Learners.  

No ID or personal information required.  Visit Washtenaw Literacy ESL to register. 

No Class on 11/27
October 16 - October 17
The Social Scene - Work and Play
6:00 PM
Work and Play Disabiliy Community Center, 444 N Hewitt Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
The Social Scene - Work and Play
Date: Oct 16 - Oct 17
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 AM
Location: Work and Play Disabiliy Community Center, 444 N Hewitt Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
Calendar: Community Events
Adults only with developmental disabilities community night with music, games, food & friendship every 3rd Thursday!

The Social Scene – A Monthly Community Night to Celebrate Friendship & Inclusion

Join us every third Thursday for The Social Scene, a vibrant, all-ages community event designed to foster friendship, connection, and belonging. Enjoy music, games, free food, and a welcoming environment where people of all abilities and backgrounds are valued, respected, and celebrated. Whether you're looking to meet new friends or simply enjoy a fun night out, this is the place to be!

📅 Every 3rd Thursday | ⏰ 6:00–8:00 PM

📍 Work and Play Disability Community Center – 444 Hewitt Rd, Ypsilanti

🎉 Presented in collaboration with the Work and Play Disability Community Center, REIA Education Network Team of Michigan and the EMU Women’s Resource Center

Dr. Kimberly D. Ferrell, Ph.D. is the Coordinator of the EMU Women’s Resource Center and founder of the REIA Education Network Team of Michigan. An award-winning educator and activist, she is dedicated to creating inclusive, healing-centered spaces that uplift marginalized voices and celebrate intersectional identity.

RSVP for The Social Scene

October 17
Digital Literacy Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
12:00 PM
Ypsilanti District Library - Whittaker Road, 5577 Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
Digital Literacy Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
Date: Oct 17
Time: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: Ypsilanti District Library - Whittaker Road, 5577 Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
Calendar: Community Events
Build Essential Tech Skills:Free for adults 
  • How to Use Computers, Phones, and Tablets 
  • Internet Safety and Privacy 
  • Email and Social Media Etiquette 
  • Digital Skills for Fun, Work and Everyday Life 
  • Using Zoom for appointments  

No Registration Needed!
Personal Devices Welcome
Transition: What You Need to Know
12:30 PM
Transition: What You Need to Know
Date: Oct 17
Time: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Calendar: Community Events

As youth with disabilities move through school, we need to think about what comes next. This is called post-secondary transition planning. Transition is the individualized action plan that addresses the skills, programs, and opportunities needed for the student to be successful after their school career ends.


Parents of middle and high school students with an IEP have four webinar opportunities to explore different aspects of transition in October. Learn more about the tools, resources, and support needed to navigate a successful transition from school to adult life.


October 9 - Understanding Personal Curriculum and Graduation Learn about the Personal Curriculum option that allows for certain modifications to the state's high school graduation 4pm-6pm requirements. https://tinyurl.com/4fu6vfew


October 17 - Transition: What You Need to Know Learn how to use the IEP transition plan along with community resources to plan a smooth transition from school to adulthood. https://tinyurl.com/4vpfhedj


October 24 - Supported Decision Making Tools Take a look at specific resources that can be used to support decision-making and hear real-life experiences. https://tinyurl.com/mu4ubr4p


October 27 - Transition: Beyond IDEA An overview of community resources to assist with the transition from school to adult life. https://tinyurl.com/muumk43h

Special Olympics Swimming (U of M)
4:00 PM
Ann Arbor YMCA, 400 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA
Special Olympics Swimming (U of M)
Date: Oct 17
Time: 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: Ann Arbor YMCA, 400 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA
Calendar: Community Events
For information on the UM SO College unified swim practices at the YMCA in Ann Arbor: email Kathryn Hemmila at khemmila@umich.edu
October 19
Supporting Positive Growth Series: Understanding and Disengaging the Stress Response
4:00 PM
Supporting Positive Growth Series: Understanding and Disengaging the Stress Response
Date: Oct 19
Time: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Calendar: Community Events
Work and Play

Supporting Positive Growth: A Behavior is Communication Series is a free, hybrid program designed for parents and caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities of all ages. This series explores how behavior serves as a form of communication and offers trauma-informed strategies to support positive growth. Participants will learn relationship-based approaches to encourage connection and prevent challenging behaviors in home, school, and community settings.

Jan 19, 2025 : Prevention Strategies for Positive Behavior

Feb 16, 2025 : Routines & Expectations: Setting Up for Behavioral Success

Mar 16, 2025 : Shaping Behavior Through Adult Language

Apr 27, 2025 : Strengthening the School/Family Relationship

May 04, 2025 : Effective Parent Meetings

Sep 21, 2025 : Prevention Strategies for Positive Behavior

Oct 19, 2025 : Understanding and Disengaging the Stress Response

Nov 16, 2025 : Brain-Based Calming Strategies



PDF flyer to share! Supporting Positive Growth

October 20
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
2:00 PM
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
Date: Oct 20
Time: 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Calendar: Community Events
Practice your English as a Second Language (ESL) skills for free over Zoom.To participate, you must live, work, volunteer, or go to school in Washtenaw County.For Intermediate - Advanced Level English Learners.  

No ID or personal information required.  Visit Washtenaw Literacy ESL to register.
October 21
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
7:00 AM
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
Date: Oct 21
Time: 7:00 AM to 8:30 AM
Calendar: Community Events

Practice your English as a Second Language (ESL) skills for free over Zoom. To participate, you must live, work, volunteer, or go to school in Washtenaw County. For Intermediate - Advanced Level English Learners.  

No ID or personal information required.  Visit Washtenaw Literacy ESL to register.
Legal Decision-Making options for people with IDD
6:00 PM
Legal Decision-Making options for people with IDD
Date: Oct 21
Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Calendar: Community Events
Washtenaw ACA is happy to announce that our Webinar series has begun again. Our first webinar on Legal Decision-Making Options for People with IDD will be held on Tuesday October 21st from 6-7:30p via ZOOM.

All of our Webinars are FREE to members - however there is a $20 fee for non members. To register for this webinar please use this link : https://bit.ly/46wsZnu    

If you would like to become a member and get this and ALL our Webinars for free please use this link: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/da5d29fc-660c-468c-aa7d-e3e9a8b22ab2

Once we have received your registration we will send you your unique link to join the webinar.  If you have any questions, please call Beth Garlock - Office Manager at 734-662-1256.
October 22
PAX Gymnastics - Our Play Ground
8:30 AM
PAX Gymnastics, 375 E North St Suite #101, Chelsea, MI 48118, USA
PAX Gymnastics - Our Play Ground
Date: Oct 22
Time: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Location: PAX Gymnastics, 375 E North St Suite #101, Chelsea, MI 48118, USA
Calendar: Community Events
A soft, welcoming space for adults to PLAY (unstructured with minimal instruction). 
  • Climbing wall
  • Obstacle course
  • Soft spring floor
  • Hula hoops
  • Yoga balls
  • Hippity Hop
  • Frisbee
  • Foot/hand-bag
  • Balloon dancing
  • Slack-line

Plus: Amazing music to dance, move and roll with.

Sliding Scale: $15-$20
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
10:00 AM
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
Date: Oct 22
Time: 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Calendar: Community Events

Practice your English as a Second Language (ESL) skills for free over Zoom. To participate, you must live, work, volunteer, or go to school in Washtenaw County. For Intermediate - Advanced Level English Learners.  

No ID or personal information required.  Visit Washtenaw Literacy ESL to register.

Citizenship Tutoring Available!

News

Program Map

ADA & Accessibility

Our School Strives To Ensure Our Website Is Accessible To All Our Visitors 

Washtenaw ISD is committed to providing a website that is fully accessible and we are currently in the process of developing a new website to better meet the needs of our customers. Our new website will include improvements to ADA compliance and accessibility, and during this transition, we remain committed to maintaining our existing website's accessibility and usability. 

ADA Compliance

Non Discrimination

It is the policy and commitment of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, height, weight, familial status, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any legally protected characteristic, in its educational programs, activities, admissions, or employment policies in accordance with Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, executive order 11246 as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and all other pertinent state and Federal regulations.

Non Discrimination Information

ADA and Title IX CoordinatorADA and Title IX CoordinatorMichigan Department of Civil Rights
Brian Marcel
Associate Superintendent
1819 S. Wagner Road 
Ann Arbor, MI  48103
(734) 994-8100 ext. 1402
Cassandra Harmon-Higgins
Executive Director, HR & Legal Services
1819 S. Wagner Road 
Ann Arbor, MI  48103
(734) 994-8100 ext. 1311
Online Complaint Form
(800) 482-3604
Contact MDCR