Yes, Michigan does have its own protections in place for disabled children outside of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Several state laws and regulations provide additional support and services beyond what is mandated federally.

1. State Law Mandates: Michigan has legislation that requires special education services for students with disabilities from birth to 26 years of age, exceeding the IDEA's limit of 21 years. This initiative ensures that a wider age range of individuals have access to essential educational resources (Michigan.gov).

2. Special Education Services: Under both Michigan and federal law, children with disabilities from birth through five years old are eligible for special education and support services. This eligibility is particularly critical as it ensures early intervention for young children who may need extra help (Disability Rights Michigan).

3. Procedural Safeguards: Michigan's regulations outline specific parental rights and procedural safeguards to ensure compliance and protection under both IDEA and state laws. This framework aims to inform parents about their rights in the education process (Michigan Alliance for Families).

4. Accommodations under Section 504: Children who do not qualify for special education services under IDEA may still receive protections and accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This provision is available for individuals with disabilities and ensures they have equal access to education and necessary supports (Disability Rights Michigan PDF).

5. Guardianship and Rights Advocacy: There are broader advocacy initiatives and resources available to assist families in navigating both federal and state laws pertaining to the education and support of children with disabilities (Autism Alliance of Michigan).

In summary, Michigan has established a robust framework for protecting the rights and educational needs of disabled children, supplementing the protections offered by IDEA through state-specific laws and services.

Sources

Laws and Regulations - Special Education - State of MichiganSpecial Education - Disability Rights MichiganKnow Your Rights - Michigan Alliance for Families[PDF] Family Matters Special Education Child Find Fact SheetKnow Your Rights: IDEA and State Law[DOC] Chapter 3 - Disability Rights MichiganWhat federal and Michigan laws do we need to be aware of as we ...

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