WISD PAC update: mediation services, measurable‑goal training and summer resources for students with special needs

Andrea Bennett, Milan’s representative to the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) Parent Advisory Committee (PAC), updated the board on May 20 WISD PAC activity and local special‑education resources during the June 4 board meeting.

Bennett said SEMS (Special Education Mediation Services) was available to mediate disputes between families and districts about whether a student should receive services under a 504 plan or an Individualized Education Program (IEP). She said SEMS staff frequently find building administrators unaware when a disagreement has been escalated to mediation, and she encouraged the district’s new building and district administrators to connect early with special‑education staff to reduce escalations.

Bennett also described WISD training in writing measurable IEP goals (example language given at the meeting) and said the WISD will offer training to PAC members and parents on Sept. 16 to help families review and advocate about IEP goals.

She noted that Sarah Norton had been approved by the WISD board to represent Milan on PAC and that the local committee is compiling introduction flyers and coordinating open‑house attendance this fall.

Bennett shared summer resource information for families, including sensory‑friendly movie screenings, the Henry Ford Museum’s sensory screenings, Kids Bowl Free, Work In Place special‑needs resource center programming and a special needs swim day at Rolling Hills Waterpark. She encouraged families to consult the Work In Place calendar and to register for events; the organization is a nonprofit that offers workshops and activities for people with special needs.

Bennett said PAC will resume regular meetings in September and will align one meeting in February with WISD least restrictive environment (LRE) compliance monitoring. She left a printed calendar of resources that the district said it will share with families.