Disability Services & Advocacy

Find information on education, therapeutic, advocacy, and support resources for children and young adults with disabilities and their families.

Bridgeway Program at Northwest Education Services

Through its Bridgeway program and other settings, Northwest Education Services (North Ed) offers a continuum of services for students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and for students with other learning challenges. Individual needs drive each student’s educational program and is developed through the individualized educational program (IEP) process.

Creekside School: Northwest Education Services

Northwest Education Services’ (North Ed) Creekside School is a K-12 center-based program for students with emotional impairment or severe behavioral concern who require more controlled, structured environment in which to learn. This program combines academics, behavioral instruction, community-based education and group and individual counseling which contribute to the school’s high rate of students returning to their local school district.

New Horizons: Northwest Education Services

Northwest Education Services operates several specialized programs to meet the needs of students with moderate and severe cognitive and multiple impairments. These programs are designed to strengthen the academic, communication, social, and daily living skills of students.

Transition Campus: Northwest Education Services

Northwest Education Services’ Transition Campus serves eligible students ages 18-26 across all disabilities. All students participate in programs focused on teaching transition skills in areas of recreation and leisure, employability, independent living skills, community participation, and social emotional learning. We are located at various spots in the community.

Grand Traverse Dyslexia Association

Grand Traverse Dyslexia Association (GTDA) is a nonprofit organization in Traverse City, Michigan that provides specialized one-on-one tutoring for students with dyslexia and other reading, writing, and learning challenges.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Resources: Northwest Education Services

Northwest Education Services provides several resources for parents with children on the autism spectrum.

Children’s Special Health Care Services | Grand Traverse County, MI

Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS), provided through the Grand Traverse County Health Department, is a free or low-cost program that helps children and some adults with special health care needs access the medical care and support services they need. The program is based on a qualifying medical condition rather than income and can assist families with coordinating specialty care, navigating health insurance, and connecting to medical providers and community resources.

Disability Network Northern Michigan

The Disability Network is a nonprofit organization that works to promote independence, inclusion, and accessibility for people with disabilities of all ages. They provide a variety of services and resources to support individuals in living fully self-directed lives through advocacy, peer support, information and referral, and independent living services. This webpage describes their services and how to contact them.

Early On Michigan

Early On Michigan (accessible at 1-800-327-5966 or 1800earlyon.org) is a statewide early intervention program that supports families with infants and toddlers from birth to age three who have developmental delays or diagnosed conditions that may impact development. The program connects families with free evaluations, developmental screenings, and coordinated services such as speech, physical, and occupational therapy when needed. Early On also provides a family service coordinator who works with parents to create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and helps connect families to local resources and supports.

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

Here is where you can learn about an individualized education program (IEP). An IEP is a written document for students with disabilities ages 3 through 25 that outlines the student’s educational needs and goals and any programs and services the intermediate school district (ISD) and/or its member district will provide to help the student make educational progress.

Special Education | Traverse City Area Public Schools

TCAPS Special Education Services provide individualized support for students with disabilities across Traverse City Area Public Schools. Services are designed to meet each student’s unique educational needs through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and are delivered in the least restrictive environment whenever possible. Support may include specialized instruction, resource room services, speech and language therapy, occupational and physical therapy, social work, and other related services.

Section 504 | Traverse City Area Public Schools

Section 504 Services at Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) provide supports and accommodations for students with disabilities to ensure equal access to education in the general school environment. Section 504 is a federal civil rights law that requires schools to remove barriers so students with physical or mental impairments can fully participate in academic and school activities. At TCAPS, eligible students may receive a 504 Plan that outlines specific accommodations such as adjustments to classroom instruction, testing, schedules, or supports based on individual needs.

Section 504 | U.S. Department of Education

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (U.S. Department of Education) is a federal civil rights law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in education programs and other activities that receive federal funding. Schools, colleges, and other funded institutions must provide equal access and appropriate accommodations so students with disabilities can fully participate in learning and school life. Section 504 applies to a wide range of physical and mental disabilities and may require schools to offer supports such as accommodations, accessibility modifications, and related services through a 504 Plan.

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