The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
2024-2025 Online Learning Opportunities Descriptions and Registration
Learning Connections Webinars
These one-hour webinars are open to anyone (parent, family member, professional, youth, educator, etc.) interested in a variety of topics of interest. These webinars provide resources, information, and skill development on relevant topics related to children with disabilities or special health care needs. They are led by seasoned parent staff and/or guest speakers with expertise in the topic.
To register, visit: https://redcap.link/24_25learning
Brain-Based Calming Strategies for Children
Nov 7, 2024, 12 noon to 1 pm (EST)
All behavior has meaning, and we can more effectively meet children’s needs when we understand the potential root causes of behavior. Please join social-emotional specialist Melissa Smith as she explores brain-based strategies for regulation and tools to support meeting children’s needs.
Charting the LifeCourse – What Does It Mean?
Dec 10, 2024, 12 noon to 1 pm (EST)
Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) helps individuals and families of all abilities and ages develop a vision for a good life. What do you need to know and do? How can you find or develop supports? What does it take to live the life you want? CtLC helps individuals and families think through these questions, and promote positive change through knowledge sharing, capacity building, and working together.
Children with Special Needs Fund 101
Jan 30, 2025, 12 noon to 1 pm (EST)
The Children with Special Needs Fund (CSN) provides family-centered support to help families obtain equipment to enhance quality of life and promote health and mobility for their child with special health care needs. Join Children’s Special Health Care Services as they share information about eligibility, the application process, and types of items covered by the CSN Fund.
Doctor Visits, Play Dates, Hairbrushes, Oh My! Navigating Life’s Everyday Challenges
Feb 26, 2025, 12 noon to 1 pm (EST)
Parents often receive many different plans for their child with a disability or special health care needs. From treatment plans to education plans, to emergency care plans, and more! But what happens when your child won’t let you brush their hair or teeth? Or has sensory overload when going to the Doctor’s office? Or isn’t invited to birthday parties or playdates? It is during these everyday life challenges that parents need expert advice…from other parents! Come learn how they manage these situations, as well as share your own challenges and successes!
Children’s Special Health Care Services 101/Insurance Premium Benefit
March 12, 2025, 12 noon to 1 pm (EST)
Children’s Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) is a program within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services that helps cover specialty medical care and treatment. It is for children up to age 26 and some adults with qualifying diagnoses. Learn to identify who may be eligible for CSHCS coverage, the enrollment process, and what services are available through the program. Additionally, information will be shared on CSHCS’s Insurance Premium Payment Benefit. This benefit is available to help maintain private health care coverage for CSHCS clients when eligibility criteria is met.
Learn About Family Center Conference Scholarships!
April 9, 2025, 12 noon to 1 pm (EST)
Conferences ignite hope and understanding for parents navigating their child’s diagnosis. They can also foster meaningful connections with other families. Though the expense may pose challenges, the Family Center offers support through a scholarship program for a parent and youth to attend a diagnosis-related conference. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply as well as hear one parent’s story of the benefits of conference participation
Trauma-Informed Care for Professionals Who Work with CYSHCN
May 21, 2025, 12 noon to 1 pm (EST)
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood that can have lifelong impacts. Discussion will center on how they can impact children with special health care needs and their families. Learn how providers can recognize signs and symptoms of trauma or ACEs, identify families in need of services, and develop skills to support those with or at-risk for trauma.
Bullying and Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs
June 12, 2025, 12 noon to 1 pm (EST)
Children with disabilities are often at an increased risk of being bullied. Discussion will focus on how to recognize the signs and effects of bullying, learn strategies to build your child’s resilience, as well as steps you can take to manage and minimize the impact of bullying for all children.
Navigating Healthcare Workshops
These one-hour webinars are open to anyone (parent, family member, caregiver, youth, professional, educator, etc.) interested in learning more about navigating healthcare and other systems that provide services and supports for families of children and youth with disabilities or special health care needs in Michigan.
To register, visit: https://redcap.link/24_25learning
Navigating Care: Understanding Care Coordination, Care Mapping, and Medical Home for Families
Nov 21, 2024, 12 noon to 1 pm (EST)
Some families have never heard of the terms Care Coordination, Care Mapping, or Medical Home, yet each of these can play an important part in your child’s healthcare. Learn the essentials of care coordination, care mapping, and the concept of a medical home. Discussion will focus on practical strategies, real-world examples, and resources to help you navigate and optimize your family’s healthcare journey.
Why Medicaid’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) Benefit Matters!
Jan 15, 2025, 12 noon to 1 pm (EST)
The Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit provides comprehensive and preventive health care services for children under age 21 enrolled in Medicaid. EPSDT is key to ensuring that children and youth receive appropriate preventive, dental, mental health, and specialty services. Join us for an overview of the EPSDT benefit. We will review what services are covered and how the benefit can be utilized to provide services to Medicaid eligible children.
An Introduction to the Children’s Waiver Program in Michigan
March 20, 2025, 12 noon to 1 pm (EST)
The Children’s Waiver Program is a program that provides Medicaid funded home- and community-based services to children with developmental disabilities who have high behavioral and/or medical needs. The waiver provides services and supports to allow the child to remain at home with his/her family. Learn about eligibility, what services are covered, along with information on how to apply.
Healthcare Transition for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs
May 15, 2025, 12 noon to 1 pm (EST)
Healthcare Transition is the change from pediatric to adult healthcare services. This transition can be very complex for youth with disabilities or special healthcare needs. Learn about the things to consider and what support is available during this important period of your child’s life.
Growing as Leaders: Leadership Series
These one-hour webinars are open to ANY parent in Michigan interested in further development of their leadership skills (you do NOT have to have a child with a disability or special health care needs). This is a series; however, you may attend just those of interest to you. They provide a focused learning opportunity on a variety of leadership skills for both seasoned and emerging parent leaders. No previous leadership training required to attend. There are five webinars in the series, running every other month from Oct to June.
To register, visit: https://redcap.link/24_25learning
From Parents to Partners: Strengthening Leadership in Family Engagement
Oct 22, 2024, 12 noon to 1 pm (EST)
The parent leadership journey is crucial, and it can transform the role of parents from passive participants to proactive partners in systems. We will share examples that highlight the impact of parent leadership and provide strategies for fostering meaningful collaboration between families and system partners.
Lead with a Purpose: Discovering Interests & Passions as a Family Leader
Dec 12, 2024, 12 noon to 1 pm (EST)
Learn to identify your unique strengths and areas of enthusiasm as a parent leader. We will share how to leverage these insights to find and create opportunities for you to be involved. Join us to discover how aligning your passions with your leadership role can lead to a more fulfilling and impactful experience.
From Personal Experience to Public Impact: Strategies for Effective Storytelling
Feb 18, 2025, 12 noon to 1 pm (EST)
In various settings, from workgroups and advisory boards to presentations and legislative hearings, your personal story can be a powerful tool for advocacy and change. Learn tips on how to craft and deliver your narrative to maximize impact, broaden your reach, and contribute to meaningful change.
Unlocking Your Potential: Opportunities for Family Leaders
April 17, 2025, 12 noon to 1 pm (EST)
Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just starting out, this session will illuminate a variety of leadership opportunities tailored to different levels of experience. Discover how you can leverage your unique strengths and interests to take on impactful roles, contribute effectively, and drive positive change in your community.
From Connection to Collaboration: Enhancing Your Networking Skills as a Family Leader
June 19, 2025, 12 noon to 1 pm (EST)
Forging strong connections within your community is crucial for effective leadership. Come learn practical strategies to enhance your networking skills, as we share tips and insights to help you build meaningful relationships, collaborate more effectively, and broaden your impact.