Michigan CEC

The Council for Exceptional Children is proud to support the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 36th Anniversary. On July 26th we celebrate this important civil rights law that works to ensure all people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. Celebrate with us by visiting: adaanniversary.org

Day 1 at the Special Education Legislative Summit is complete!

Yesterday, members of the Michigan Council for Exceptional Children joined special education advocates from across the country in Washington, D.C. to learn, collaborate, and prepare for meetings with legislators.

We had the opportunity to visit the office of Representative Debbie Dingell, where Concetta Lewis, Kim Krug, and Calle Faerber shared the importance of supporting students with disabilities, educators, and families here in Michigan.

The day also included an insightful panel discussion featuring Laurie VanderPloeg with CEC, focused on the importance of preserving a strong U.S. Department of Education (DOE) and the critical role it plays in protecting the rights of students with disabilities and ensuring access to quality special education services nationwide.

Today, our delegation heads to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Michigan's congressional delegation and advocate for policies that support students with disabilities, their families, and the educators who serve them.

We are proud to represent Michigan and to be part of these important conversations that help shape the future of special education.

💙

🇺🇸 Michigan Is Ready to Advocate in Washington, D.C.!

This week, an incredible delegation of Michigan special education leaders, educators, and advocates is traveling to Washington, D.C., to participate in the 2026 Council for Exceptional Children's Special Education Legislative Summit (SELS).

Throughout the week, our team will join advocates from across the country to learn, collaborate, and meet with members of Congress to discuss policies that impact students with disabilities, their families, and the educators who support them every day.

Representing Michigan this year are:

• Kim Krug, MCEC President
• Kimberly Kramer, MCEC Vice President
• Jen DeWaard, MCEC CAN Coordinator
• Dr. Precios Armstrong, MCEC Past President
• Concetta Lewis, CEC President Elect & MCEC Past President
• Calle Faerber, Michigan Educator
• Amanda Unger, Maase Vice President
• Eric Hoppstock, MAASE Past President
• Erin Senkowski, MAASE Advocacy Chair
• David Krantz, MAASE Advocacy Chair
• Abby Camara, Co-Chair, CEC Student & Early Career
• Nancy Roop, CEC Advocate

Together, they bring a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to advocating for policies that strengthen special education and improve outcomes for students with disabilities across Michigan and beyond.

We are incredibly grateful for their commitment to serving students, families, educators, and communities through advocacy.

Please join us in wishing Team Michigan safe travels and a successful week on Capitol Hill! 💙

Be sure to follow along throughout the week as we share photos, highlights, and updates from the Special Education Legislative Summit, showcasing Michigan's advocacy efforts and the important conversations taking place with our nation's leaders.

Michigan CEC stands with the Council for Exceptional Children in raising awareness about the potential impact of moving federal oversight of special education from the U.S. Department of Education to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Special education leaders and advocates continue to have concerns about what this change could mean for students with disabilities, families, and educators.

We encourage our members and community to stay informed, read the latest coverage from NPR, and take action through National CEC.

Read the NPR article: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/09/nx-s1-5887650/education-department-special-ed-hhs

Take action with CEC: https://exceptionalchildren.org/takeaction