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.

November 5
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: Nov 5
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: Nov 5
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!
November 6
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
7:00 AM
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
Date: Nov 6
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
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: Nov 6
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.
November 7
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: Nov 7
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: Nov 7
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 [email protected]
November 10
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
2:00 PM
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
Date: Nov 10
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.
November 11
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
7:00 AM
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
Date: Nov 11
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.
WISD Board of Education Regular Meeting
5:00 PM
1819 S. Wagner Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103
WISD Board of Education Regular Meeting
Date: Nov 11
Time: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Location: 1819 S. Wagner Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Calendar: WISD Calendar
November 12
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: Nov 12
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: Nov 12
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!
November 12 - November 15
Camp SkyWild Summit
North Star Reach, 1200 University Camp Dr, Pinckney, MI 48169, USA
Camp SkyWild Summit
Date: Nov 12 - Nov 15
Location: North Star Reach, 1200 University Camp Dr, Pinckney, MI 48169, USA
Calendar: Community Events

SkyWild Summit is an immersive overnight program that combines independent living skill practice, pre-vocational skill building, enrichment, and social opportunities — along with all the fun of traditional camp.

Here are the details:

  • Dates: November 12–15, 2025

  • Where: North Star Reach in Pinckney, MI

  • Who: Adults 18+ (participants must be independent with toileting and showering)

  • Cost: $1,499 (includes lodging, meals, individualized programming, and apparel)

  • Many participants use their CMH respite funding to attend, and additional financial aid is available

The program also includes favorite camp traditions like a talent show, archery, arts & crafts, and our sensory room, while creating space for meaningful friendships and real-world growth.

https://www.campskywild.org/

November 13
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
7:00 AM
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
Date: Nov 13
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
MSU - Navigating Tough Talks: Conflict Resolution & Civil Discourse
6:30 PM
MSU - Navigating Tough Talks: Conflict Resolution & Civil Discourse
Date: Nov 13
Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 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 

  • Learning how to manage disagreements with respect and open-mindedness is an important part of adulthood. In this workshop, youth will gain essential tools for navigating tough conversations, whether with friends, family or classmates. Participants will leave with strategies to approach conflict confidently, express themselves respectfully and find common ground with others. Youth will find ways to handle challenging discussions with patience and empathy, paving the way for stronger, healthier relationships.

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 - [email protected]
Laurie Rivetto - [email protected]
Janice Zerbe - [email protected]

November 14
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: Nov 14
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: Nov 14
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 [email protected]
November 16
Supporting Positive Growth Series: Brain-Based Calming Strategies
4:00 PM
Supporting Positive Growth Series: Brain-Based Calming Strategies
Date: Nov 16
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

November 17
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
2:00 PM
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
Date: Nov 17
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.
November 18
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
7:00 AM
ESL Community Tutoring - Washtenaw Literacy
Date: Nov 18
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.
Career Exploration Opportunity for Washtenaw County Students
8:50 AM
1819 S Wagner Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA
Career Exploration Opportunity for Washtenaw County Students
Date: Nov 18
Time: 8:50 AM to 1:15 PM
Location: 1819 S Wagner Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, USA
Calendar: Community Events

🧭 Career Exploration Opportunity for Washtenaw County Students

Presented by WISD Career & Technical Education and Special Education Departments

📅 Date: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
🕘 Departure: 9:00 AM (Arrive by 8:50 AM)
🕐 Return: Approximately 1:15 PM
📍 Departure/Return Location:
WISD Teaching & Learning Center (students must be dropped off at the TLC and picked up from the TLC once we return)
1819 S. Wagner Rd., Ann Arbor, MI

🏢 Event: MiCareer Quest Southeast

📍 Location: Suburban Collection Showplace
46100 Grand River Ave., Novi, MI 48374

💼 Why Attend?

Students will explore high-demand careers in:

  • 🔧 Advanced Manufacturing

  • 🏗️ Construction

  • 🩺 Health Sciences

  • 💻 Information Technology

This interactive event features hands-on exhibits and real-world demonstrations created by industry professionals to help students experience what it’s like to work in today’s most exciting industries.

🎓 Who Can Attend?

Each Washtenaw County district has a limited number of student slots:(see chart below)

Chaperone Requirement:
Each district must send 1 staff chaperone who will remain with their students for the duration of the trip and stay until students are picked up by school or guardian.

What to Bring:

Bagged lunch (to eat on the bus ride back)

📅 Important Deadline:

Permission slips must be submitted by: October 15, 2025
After this date, any remaining seats will be offered first come, first served.

🎥 Watch last year’s highlights:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=YUGb-gteq5c&si=Z9iU5WqnV-pYFAJ7

📞 Questions? Contact:

Joy Taylor
Kelly M. Higgins

On My Own of Michigan: How it all Began
6:30 PM
On My Own of Michigan: How it all Began
Date: Nov 18
Time: 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Calendar: Community Events
SAIL and On My Own of Michigan share how the vision developed, how the organization began, what OMO is today and what was learned along the way.  Founding Members, Current Members and CEO Jennifer Roccanti share how parents envisioned and created OMO.

  • Learn how an idea that started with parents became a reality
  • Harnessing the power of Parents


Join the conversation by RSVPing to [email protected].
November 19
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: Nov 19
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: Nov 19
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

WISD Thanks Voters for Supporting Career Technical Education Millage

More...

My Future Fund Celebrates $2 Million Milestone

More...

WISD & Washtenaw Sheriff's Office Celebrates First Commencement for High School & GED Grads

More...

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