The Council's work groups monitor activities in their assigned target area; identify issues, problems, and possible further actions; develop an annual work plan to identify the goal of the work group; increase council members knowledge about the target area; and recommend potential objectives and possible projects to the council.

Family Support Work Group

Mission

To increase the quality, availability and range of family support services statewide; expand awareness of the need and benefits of these services.

Family Support Work Group's Charge

Responsibilities of the work group include:

A. Monitor implementation of the Family Support Action Plan and the Council's family support demonstration projects; 
B. Provide a statewide forum for family support issues information exchange between state agencies, advocacy groups, and parents; 
C. Explore opportunities to expand awareness of family support services; 
D. Provide ongoing advice to the Council to keep the Governor apprised of family support issues; and  
E. Increase representation of multicultural groups and families with members with various disabilities. Objective is to increase workgroup diversity.

Examples of Work Group Activities

A. Gather information about various family support issues and disseminate information to families. 
B. Positively affect policy around family support issues. This includes identifying policy issues related to family support and disseminating information to families on legislative bills/activities. 
C. Participate in developing projects for council consideration, based on work group members expertise, and develop objectives and funding levels for the council's Five Year Plan. 
D. Provide oversight and technical expertise to family support projects that, through grant contracts, demonstrate the benefits of family choice and empowerment.

Membership

The membership includes a variety of members from state agencies, advocacy groups and parent networks.

For more information on the workgroup, go to its web site at www.familysupportworkgroup.org.

Family Support Work Group Brochure 

Family Support Work Group Website  

Transportation Work Group

Mission

To make transportation in Michigan accessible, affordable, seamless and safe for everyone. We would like accessible transportation throughout Michigan 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Examples of Activities

 A. Identify possible new funding sources and support local groups in finding local funding solutions for public transportation. 

B.Maintain a powerful grassroots advocacy network including Regional Interagency Consumer Committees (RICCs) and Local Advisory Committees (LACs)

C. Promotes people with disabilities and riders as a resource for LACs and transit agencies/authorities.

D. Research and recommend demonstration and pilot projects for the council for possible funding

E. Identify and recruit new members who represent a cross-section of state and local transit providers and advocacy groups

F. Use results of council transportation grant projects to build on future projects

G. Review federal and state policies to assess the current state of transportation for people with disabilities.

Membership

The workgroup has traveling meetings to connect with consumers interested in transportation issues across the state. Examples of current members include: people with developmental disabilities who ride public transit, transit providers, MDOT staff, and staff from advocacy organizations. Benefits of being a member include: learning about transit issues, learning about grassroots advocacy, sharing success stories, and problem solving solutions for the community.

Health Issues Work Group

Mission

To advocate for an increase in the quality, availability and range of health care supports and services for people with disabilities statewide. The workgroup will address key issues, develop and advocacy agenda for council consideration, and identify health issue projects for potential council funding.

Activities

A. Provide the council with advice and direction about key health issues facing Michigan's diverse communities. 
B. Stay current on emerging health issues.
C. Assist the council with development of local pilot projects that provide health and well-being services through a person's life.
D. Educate consumers, providers, policymakers and others to expand awareness of the benefit and necessity of health care for people with disabilities.
E. Provide leadership in developing, monitoring and responding to public policy that impacts health issues in order to expand awareness of the need for benefits of health care, supports and services statewide.

Membership

Members include self-advocates with developmental disabilities, advocate partners from local state agencies, RICC members, and advocates from dental associations.

Education Work Group

Mission

That Michigan will have a unified system of public education consistent with the practices and principles of Universal Education for all students, including students eligible for special education, ages 0-26.

Activities

A. Identifty emerging trends and changes in public education for the purpose of assisting work group members and allies in advocacy and promotion of best practices.

B. Develop and recommend an Education Work Plan with data to substantiate recommendations

C. Track grantee progress to report successful implementation of education initiatives

D. Educate community members on Universal Education

E. Identify education issues, such as seclusion and restraint, that need to be addressed.

F. Track state and federal education related initiatives and policies.

Membership

The membership includes members from the following: Michigan DD Council, Michigan Department of Education, advocacy groups, parents and the networks of the mentioned groups.

Housing Work Group

Mission

A. Develop position papers and a housing advocacy strategy. 
B. Educate legislators and policymakers regarding housing and support issues for persons with disabilities; and 
C. Explore opportunities to expand support services for persons with disabilities.

Activities

Housing Work Group Brochure