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


Calendar

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What is happening the next 2 weeks.

May 8
Prom
6:00 PM
Prom
Date: May 8
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Calendar: WISD Calendar
May 10
Adaptive Dance Recital - Ann Arbor YMCA
11:00 AM
Ann Arbor YMCA, 400 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA
Adaptive Dance Recital - Ann Arbor YMCA
Date: May 10
Time: 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM
Location: Ann Arbor YMCA, 400 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA
Calendar: Community Events

Description

This will be an inclusive and empowering experience tailored for individuals aged 18 and above with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). Join us for a welcoming atmosphere where you can discover the joy of movement, build confidence, and celebrate your abilities in a supportive community! We will warm up, learn some dance fundamentals, and have a great time moving together to some fun music! Movements will be adapted to your abilities - all are welcome! If you are in need of 1:1 support in order to get the most out of this class, please bring a family member, friend, or staff member to help - this class is led by only one instructor.

This session will end in a recital on May 10th at Slauson Middle School Auditorium. Participation in the recital is optional. Some dance classes will choose costumes, which will be an additional cost and added to your Y account in April. We will try to keep the cost for costumes under $60.00. More information will be sent in the coming months. Please direct any questions to jbaca@annarborymca.org

*No class January 25 or March 29*

Registration


Member
In House ends on Jan 19, 2025
Online ends on Jan 19, 2025
Non-Member
In House ends on Jan 19, 2025
Online ends on Jan 19, 2025

Eligibility

Open to everyone from ages 18 to 99

Costs


Member: $94.00
Non-Member: $174.00

Contact



Jen Bacajbaca@annarborymca.org
(734) 661-8043

Instructor




Megan L.
TOPSoccer
11:15 AM
World Wide Sports
TOPSoccer
Date: May 10
Time: 11:15 AM to 12:15 PM
Location: World Wide Sports
Calendar: Community Events
Register for TOPSoccer






TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a community-based training program for young athletes with disabilities.

Age Range: Open

May 13
WISD Board of Education Regular Meeting
5:00 PM
1819 S. Wagner Road, Ann Arbor, MI. 48103
WISD Board of Education Regular Meeting
Date: May 13
Time: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Location: 1819 S. Wagner Road, Ann Arbor, MI. 48103
Calendar: WISD Calendar
May 14
Law, Research and Data - Special Education Inclusion Coffee & Conversation
8:15 AM
Law, Research and Data - Special Education Inclusion Coffee & Conversation
Date: May 14
Time: 8:15 AM to 11:00 AM
Calendar: WISD Upcoming Events

Law, Research and Data - A Community Conversation on the Power of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports

Coffee and Network
Spotlight on Resources
Family Perspectives/Student Advocacy
Coaching Strategies

Only 70 spots available!

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: May 14
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
What Happens Now? Understanding Special Education Rights Amid Uncertainty
12:00 PM
What Happens Now? Understanding Special Education Rights Amid Uncertainty
Date: May 14
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Calendar: Community Events




As conversations around dismantling the U.S. Department of Education intensify, fear and confusion are rising in the disability community. Families are asking:

 

“Are IEPs going away?”

“What happens to IDEA and ADA without federal oversight?”

“Will schools still be held accountable for providing support?”

 

Join us for a crucial conversation with Wayne Steedman, Esq., one of the nation’s most respected special education attorneys, as he provides clarity, context, and legal insight during these uncertain times.

 

With decades of experience representing children with disabilities and educating families through his national work with Wrightslaw, Mr. Steedman will address the current landscape and help families understand their rights—now and moving forward.

 

Topics include:

 

  • The impact (if any) of federal changes on IDEA, IEPs, and ADA

  • What’s protected by law—regardless of politics

  • Advocacy steps families and educators can take

  • Live Q&A with participants

 

Let’s replace panic with power—together.




RSVP
Free Community Movie Night - Council for Exceptional Children
5:00 PM
Washtenaw Intermediate School District, 1819 S Wagner Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, USA
Free Community Movie Night - Council for Exceptional Children
Date: May 14
Time: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Washtenaw Intermediate School District, 1819 S Wagner Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48106, USA
Calendar: Community Events
Intelligent Lives

About the Film - stars three pioneering young American adults with intellectualdisabilities – Micah, Naieer, and Naomie – who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigatehigh school, college, and the workforce. Academy Award-winning actor and narrator Chris Coopercontextualizes the lives of these central characters through the emotional personal story of his son Jesse,as the film unpacks the shameful and ongoing track record of intelligence testing in the U.S.
May 15
Theatre BE - Mini Session
3:30 PM
Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML, 3941 Research Park Dr, Ann Arbor, 48108, United States
Theatre BE - Mini Session
Date: May 15
Time: 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML, 3941 Research Park Dr, Ann Arbor, 48108, United States
Calendar: Community Events
Join Theatre Be as we laugh and learn together! We’ll be spending each week in this mini session playing theatre games, exploring scene building and improv, and expressing ourselves through acting.  We’ll have a supportive and friendly environment where the rules are simple:  BE yourself and BE encouraging! There will NOT be a performance in the mini session;  instead we will be having and end of session party for our company! Every Thursday from May 1 to June 5.  June 5th will be the End-of-Session Party Ages 14+ and all abilities welcome. No registration required Program Flyer:Theatre Be Mini Session
Transition Services Parent Workshop
5:00 PM
Zoom
Transition Services Parent Workshop
Date: May 15
Time: 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: Zoom
Calendar: WISD Upcoming Events

Washtenaw Intermediate School District, in collaboration with Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Disability Network and Community Mental Health, presents: 

Agency Transition Services Parent Workshop 

Come speak with representatives from local support agencies that provide a variety of support needs from health, employment, recreation and more. Providers will be here to answer questions you may have in making choices for the services that are right for your student. 

(Dinner will be served.) 

Washtenaw Intermediate School District 
1819 S. Wagner Rd. 
Ann Arbor, MI 48103 

Thursday, May 15, 2025 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 

Zoom Link Meeting ID: 968 4685 8770 - Passcode: 164214 

Please RSVP  via  Email - transitionservices@washtenawisd.org 
OR Call - 734-994-8100 x 1520

For more information call: (734) 994-8100 x1521 
Email: jtaylor@washtenawisd.org 

MSU - Stay Safe Out There
6:00 PM
MSU - Stay Safe Out There
Date: May 15
Time: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Calendar: Community Events

Adulting 101 2025

Are you ready to leave for college or be out on your own? Are you prepared to do adult tasks and have skills to be successful? Michigan State University Extension's Adulting 101 programs help teenagers and young adults demystify the obscure reality of being an “adult” through engaging educational sessions. Each FREE session is packed full of important life skills and tools necessary to live independently!

Cost: FREE


Register 

  • Join us for a 4-H Adulting 101 session on personal safety in all settings-from hiking trails and public parks to bustling cities and college campuses. We will cover practical strategies to help you stay aware, prepared, and confident no matter where you go. Learn tips for situational awareness, staying connected, and handling emergencies. Empower yourself with the knowledge and tools you need to feel secure in any environment. Stay safe out there and let's learn how to do it together!

Accommodations

Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.


Contact Information

For information, contact:
Kathy Jamieson - jamies13@msu.edu
Laurie Rivetto - rivettol@msu.edu
Janice Zerbe - rajzerj@msu.edu

May 21
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: May 21
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
High Point PSO & Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner
5:30 PM
1735 S Wagner Rd, Ann Arbor MI 48103
High Point PSO & Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner
Date: May 21
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Location: 1735 S Wagner Rd, Ann Arbor MI 48103
Cost: Fundraiser
Calendar: WISD Calendar

Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction

Wednesday, May 21 from 5:30-7:30 pm

High Point Cafeteria
1735 S Wagner Rd, Ann Arbor MI 48103

Menu - Spaghetti dinner, salad, breadsticks, dessert & beverage

Tickets - Venmo @WISDPSO to preorder tickets or purchase at the door

Club SkyWild
7:00 PM
Work and Play Special Needs Resource Center, 444 N Hewitt Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
Club SkyWild
Date: May 21
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.


May 22
Theatre BE - Mini Session
3:30 PM
Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML, 3941 Research Park Dr, Ann Arbor, 48108, United States
Theatre BE - Mini Session
Date: May 22
Time: 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: Washtenaw/Ann Arbor DNWML, 3941 Research Park Dr, Ann Arbor, 48108, United States
Calendar: Community Events
Join Theatre Be as we laugh and learn together! We’ll be spending each week in this mini session playing theatre games, exploring scene building and improv, and expressing ourselves through acting.  We’ll have a supportive and friendly environment where the rules are simple:  BE yourself and BE encouraging! There will NOT be a performance in the mini session;  instead we will be having and end of session party for our company! Every Thursday from May 1 to June 5.  June 5th will be the End-of-Session Party Ages 14+ and all abilities welcome. No registration required Program Flyer:Theatre Be Mini Session

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 Coordinator
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