FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Skillman Foundation Invests in Autism Alliance of Michigan’s Education Work to Advance Special Education Reform
Grant will support AAoM’s Education pillar and statewide effort to strengthen special education systems and outcomes for students with disabilities
Southfield, MI — March 16, 2026 — The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) today announced new support from The Skillman Foundation to strengthen AAoM’s Education pillar and advance a statewide effort focused on improving outcomes for students with disabilities across Michigan.
The grant will support the Autism Alliance of Michigan’s Education initiatives as it advances a statewide effort to strengthen special education systems, including continued development and public engagement around the Michigan Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint (MI Blueprint), a statewide effort to modernize how Michigan funds special education so that resources better align with the needs of students and the realities schools face today. The work focuses on advancing systems-level change so that Michigan’s education system more equitably supports students with disabilities and the schools that serve them.
“Michigan has an opportunity to build a funding system that better reflects the needs of students with disabilities and the realities schools face every day,” said Heather Eckner, Director of Statewide Education at the Autism Alliance of Michigan. “This support from The Skillman Foundation helps ensure that families, educators, and communities across the state can engage in the conversation about how Michigan can create a stronger and more equitable system for students with disabilities. We are grateful for funders like Skillman who recognize the importance of investing in systems-level change and in the voices of families working to improve the system for future generations.”
Michigan’s current special education funding system reimburses districts for only a portion of the costs associated with providing special education services, leaving many districts to cover the difference through local resources. The MI Blueprint proposes a more sustainable and equitable funding model that reflects the true cost of supporting students with disabilities. The Autism Alliance of Michigan, alongside partner organizations across the state, is now working to build support for implementing the Blueprint with fidelity so the full framework can deliver the improvements students, families, and schools need.
In addition to advancing policy solutions such as the MI Blueprint, the grant will expand grassroots advocacy through the Michigan Parent, Advocate & Attorney Coalition (MiPAAC), elevate family voices, and strengthen collaboration among educators, advocates, and policymakers working to improve outcomes for students with disabilities. Together, these efforts are designed to build sustained public understanding and support for strengthening Michigan’s special education system.
The Skillman Foundation has also played an important role in advancing research and shared understanding around these challenges, including supporting the development of the 2025 Michigan Special Education Benchmark Report, a first-of-its-kind report that provides statewide data on student outcomes, service access, and funding gaps affecting students with disabilities.
“Advancing opportunity for students with disabilities is central to our mission,” said Colleen Allen, President and CEO of the Autism Alliance of Michigan. “This support from The Skillman Foundation strengthens the Autism Alliance of Michigan’s education work and allows us to continue collaborating with families, educators, and policymakers to build a system that works better for students across the state.”
Through coalition-building, research, advocacy, and community engagement, AAoM and its partners are working to ensure that the experiences of families and educators help inform policies that improve outcomes for students with disabilities statewide.
About Autism Alliance of Michigan
The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) is a 501(c)(3) organization and trusted ally and partner for autistic individuals and their loved ones. AAoM’s mission is to lead efforts to raise expectations and expand opportunities for people affected by autism across their lifespan. We work to create a more accepting future for all people by cultivating a world rich in diverse abilities, talents, and ideas.
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