Special Education

We all need a hand-up sometimes. Some of us need a little more. Since 1949, the Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy has offered that support to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). A court decision in 2024 offered a boost in those services and changed the way the state approaches IDD. But the new federal administration’s policy changes and budget cuts put that progress at risk. WEMU's David Fair talked with the association’s President and CEO, Kristen Columbus, about all of it on this week’s "Washtenaw United".

Founded in 2001, the nonprofit Girls on the Run Southeast Michigan has provided high-quality, research-backed programming that blends physical activity with life skill development for over 24,000 girls in Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Monroe and Washtenaw Counties. With nine locations in Ypsilanti, Girls on the Run aims to help participants realize their limitless potential and boldly pursue their dreams. Concentrate Media's Rylee Barnsdale shares more about the program with one of the Ypsilanti site leaders, Estabrook Elementary teacher Cheri Cottrell, on this week's "On the Ground Ypsi."

The Department of Education has slashed DEI initiatives from schools nationwide as part of President Trump’s executive order. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has more on how this could impact Washtenaw County's special needs students.

There were a number of school districts in Washtenaw County asking voters for money in one form, or another—the Washtenaw Intermediate School District among them. WEMU’s Ana Longoria has the answer as to how it turned out.

Enrollment in the Ypsilanti Community School District has increased by nearly 500 students over last school year. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Voters in Washtenaw County are being asked this fall to renew a millage for special education. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Officials at the Ypsilanti public school district woke up to news Wednesday that they will be receiving 10 new zero-emission buses as part of the EPA’s plan to eliminate diesel-polluting buses in the country. WEMU’s Cathy Shafran reports.

Ypsilanti Community School officials say their new school year is off to a good start, but they still face some challenges. WEMU’s Taylor Pinson has more.

All too often, those with disabilities feel left out. The notion of community-wide inclusion to forge more meaningful and productive relationships to people of all abilities is behind the soon-to-open "Work & Play Cafe" in Ypsilanti. In the return of "On the Ground Ypsi," David Fair welcomed Concentrate Media's "On the Ground" project manager, Sarah Rigg, and the subject of her article, cafe co-founder Steve Berg.

The Washtenaw Intermediate School District's $53.2 million-dollar bond passed in Tuesday's election with nearly 56% voter approval. The result will be a…