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.

April 24
Virtual ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
7:00 PM
Virtual ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
Date: Apr 24
Time: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Calendar: Community Events
Practice your English as a Second Language (ESL) skills free online. To participate, you must live, work, volunteer, or go to school in Washtenaw County. For Intermediate - Advanced Level English Learners


Tutoring takes place on Zoom | One-time registration required
April 25
Job Readiness Workshop - MiWorks
10:00 AM
1201 E Ellsworth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
Job Readiness Workshop - MiWorks
Date: Apr 25
Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: 1201 E Ellsworth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
Calendar: Community Events




Job Readiness Workshop April 25th 10-1pm MiWorks

  • An open workshop discussing various aspects of the job seeking process
  • Can serve as a great prep for the Apprenticeship Fair
  • Registration is required as lunch will be provided

Registration Required
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
10:30 AM
Ann Arbor District Library: Malletts Creek Branch, 3090 E Eisenhower Pkwy, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
Date: Apr 25
Time: 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Ann Arbor District Library: Malletts Creek Branch, 3090 E Eisenhower Pkwy, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
Calendar: Community Events
English as a Second Language (ESL) community tutoring is a place to practice English language skills.  All levels of English are welcome! Please arrive 5 minutes before the start time for each group. Free and open to the public.
Digital Literacy Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
12:00 PM
5577 Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
Digital Literacy Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
Date: Apr 25
Time: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Location: 5577 Whittaker Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
Calendar: Community Events
Build Essential Tech Skills:
  • 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

Location - Ypsilanti District Library
Every Friday January 13 - April 25, 2024

For more information contact: steichen@WashtenawLiteracy.org
(734) 337-3370
April 26
FALCONERS - MiABLE
8:30 AM
Potter Park Zoo, 1301 S Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing, MI 48912, USA
FALCONERS - MiABLE
Date: Apr 26
Time: 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Location: Potter Park Zoo, 1301 S Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing, MI 48912, USA
Calendar: Community Events

FALCONERS is designed to allow children or adults of all ages with special needs and unique challenges (such as autism or developmental disabilities) and their whole family to have an enriching educational experience in a safe, welcoming and sensory friendly environment.

By registering you can come in anytime between 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM. All activities will end at 11:30 AM. You can however stay in the zoo and walk around, even after we end but you must be in by 11:30 AM. 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM the zoo is not open to the general public.

Please note: The zoo will be open to the general public starting at 9 AM. Gift Shop and Savanna Grill opens at 10 AM.

The theme for this month is Tiny Tails and Little Paws and all crafts and activities will be created by my intern, Emma! There will be a couple of activities, a craft and snacks as usual. Please be in the zoo early enough to walk through the zoo to reach all of the activities... If you plan to do them. Specific details will be sent out a week before the event to those that register. Activities will be outdoors if the weather is nice and indoors if the weather is cold or inclement.

Resources as you prepare for your visit to Potter Park Zoo:

Virtual Tours - Entire Zoo Available!

Audio Tour of the Reptile/Small Mammal House and Feline/Primate House

Sensory Map

Sensory Inclusion

Accessibility

AbleVu - This provides a great breakdown of what we offer inside the zoo and pictures to go with it!

If you have questions or concerns, please e-mail Mariah Martinez at falconers@ingham.org.

Thank you to our FALCONERS Sponsor: MiABLE

Reserve a Spot

Adaptive Dance - Ann Arbor YMCA
11:00 AM
Ann Arbor YMCA, 400 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA
Adaptive Dance - Ann Arbor YMCA
Date: Apr 26
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: Apr 26
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

April 27
Supporting Positive Growth Series: Strengthening the School/Family Relationship
4:00 PM
Supporting Positive Growth Series: Strengthening the School/Family Relationship
Date: Apr 27
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

April 30
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: Apr 30
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
Public Education Town Hall
7:00 PM
Morris Lawrence Building - Washtenaw Community College
Public Education Town Hall
Date: Apr 30
Time: 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Morris Lawrence Building - Washtenaw Community College
Cost: Free
Calendar: WISD Calendar

Join us for an Education Town Hall on Wednesday, April 30th from 7:00-8:30 PM in the Morris Lawrence Building at Washtenaw Community College. Free and open to the public. Register here!

Come learn how changes to federal policy and funding impact Washtenaw County’s public schools. Hear from educators and legislators about topics such as immigration, diversity, school funding, special education, Head Start, and federal staffing. Ask questions and learn how to be strategic advocates.

Featured speakers:

  • State Board of Education President Dr. Pamela Pugh
  • State Senator Jeff Irwin
  • State Rep. Jimmie Wilson Jr.
  • WASB President & YCS Board Trustee Jeanice Townsend
  • AAPS Superintendent Jazz Parks
  • YCS Superintendent Dr. Alena Zachery-Ross
  • WISD Superintendent Naomi Norman

This event is sponsored by the Washtenaw Superintendents Association and the Washtenaw Association of School Boards.

Register Today & Ask Your Questions in Advance

May 1
On the Verge Support Group
9:30 AM
Work and Play Cafe, 444 N Hewitt Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
On the Verge Support Group
Date: May 1
Time: 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Location: Work and Play Cafe, 444 N Hewitt Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
Calendar: Community Events
Every first Thursday of the month. Sit, relax, have a cup of coffee and chat with other parents and caregivers. RSVP NOT REQUIRED.
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 1
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
Apprenticeship Fair - Job DeveloperAlliance
4:00 PM
Ypsilanti Community High School, 2095 Packard St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
Apprenticeship Fair - Job DeveloperAlliance
Date: May 1
Time: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Ypsilanti Community High School, 2095 Packard St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA
Calendar: Community Events
Come ready to interact with industry professionals

Register for Apprenticeship Fair
May 3
Adaptive Dance - Ann Arbor YMCA
11:00 AM
Ann Arbor YMCA, 400 W Washington St, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA
Adaptive Dance - Ann Arbor YMCA
Date: May 3
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 3
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 4
Bowling Fundraiser - Work and Play
1:00 PM
Station 300 Saline, 830 Woodland Dr E, Saline, MI 48176, USA
Bowling Fundraiser - Work and Play
Date: May 4
Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Station 300 Saline, 830 Woodland Dr E, Saline, MI 48176, USA
Calendar: Community Events

Time & Location



May 04, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Station 300, 830 Woodland Dr E, Saline, MI 48176, USA


About the event




Join us for a fun day of bowling, pizza and pop at Station 300! We are hosting a Bowling Fundraiser on Sunday, May 4th, from 1 PM to 3 PM at Station 300 Saline (830 Woodland Dr, Saline)! Tickets are $25 and you get to enjoy two games of bowling, pizza, shoes, and unlimited pop—all while supporting a great cause.

This event isn’t just about strikes and spares! We’ll also have raffle baskets filled with amazing prizes, so be sure to come ready to buy some tickets for a chance to win. Come out for a fun afternoon with friends and family while making a difference. See you at the lanes!

Buy tickets

Supporting Positive Growth Series: Effective Parent Meeting
4:00 PM
Supporting Positive Growth Series: Effective Parent Meeting
Date: May 4
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

May 7
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 7
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
May 8
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 8
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
Prom
6:00 PM
Prom
Date: May 8
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Calendar: WISD Calendar

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