Strengthening family supports through collaboration, person-centered planning,
and shared learning across Michigan
Since joining the Community of Practice for Supporting Families in 2019, Michigan has brought together family members, self-advocates, professionals, and agency partners to strengthen supports for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Michigan’s Community of Practice leadership team meets monthly to discuss goals, focus areas, and outcomes. Together, members work to advance person-centered practices, strengthen partnerships, and create opportunities for individuals and families to envision and pursue a good life.
Michigan’s Community of Practice focuses on strengthening person-centered practices, connecting family-serving organizations, and expanding opportunities for shared learning.
Kansas brings together state agencies and community organizations to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through shared learning and collaboration.
Laura Demeuse
Self-Determination Analyst
Behavioral and Physical Health and Aging Services Administration
demeusel@michigan.gov
Tedra Jackson
Deputy Director
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council
Jacksont7@michigan.gov
Price Pullins
Psychologist Manager
Bureau of Children’s Coordinated Health Policy and Supports, Clinical Support & Service Navigation Section
pullinsp@michigan.gov
Kathy Lentz
Senior Executive, Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Integrated Services Kalamazoo
klentz@iskzoo.org
Justin Tate
Manager
Bureau of Children’s Coordinated Health Policy and Supports, Family and Community Partnership Section
tateJ7@michigan.gov
Angela Martin
Senior Associate Director
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Institute
angela.martin@wayne.edu
Aleisha Leavitt
Parent Consultant
Children’s Special Health Care Services, Family Center for Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs
leavitta1@michigan.gov
Mary Luchies
State Administrative Manager
Bureau of Children’s Coordinated Health Policy and Supports, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities & Autism Spectrum Disorder Services Section
luchiesm@michigan.gov
Beth Durkee
durkeeb@gmail.com
Facilitator
Resource Analyst
Michigan DD Council
Vincentt1@michigan.gov
HCBS System to Focus on Families
Michigan’s Community of Practice is working to improve person-centered planning within the community mental health system.
In partnership with the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan, the team established a Person-Centered Practice Learning Community for Community Mental Health Service Providers (CMHSPs).
Through a two-year process, participating providers receive training, technical assistance, and opportunities to collaborate with other organizations. The initiative supports improvements in person-centered, family-driven, and youth-guided practices at both organizational and statewide levels.
Participating providers are also incorporating the Charting the LifeCourse framework into their organizations and their work with individuals and families.
Supporting Families
Michigan’s Community of Practice leadership team has identified the need for a formal statewide family network to strengthen the system of support for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
The team is exploring opportunities to establish this network and build stronger connections among families, organizations, and service providers.
Other Activities Focused on Families
Michigan continues to provide learning opportunities for self-advocates, family members, and professionals to explore Charting the LifeCourse principles and tools. These activities help participants develop a vision for a good life and identify approaches to planning for the future.
2023 Supporting Families in Michigan Summit
In 2023, Michigan’s Community of Practice leadership team hosted the Supporting Families in Michigan Summit, bringing together family-led organizations, family-serving agencies, and potential partners to strengthen statewide collaboration.
The summit focused on three goals:
Participants worked together to develop a shared vision of a good life for families while gaining a better understanding of the organizations, services, and supports available across Michigan
A community-based resource offering free support to individuals and families whose lives are touched by autism.
Launched October 1, 2026, the Community Supports Waiver is designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who do not require 24-hour support. The program helps individuals live more independently in their homes and communities.
The Parent Empowerment Peer Project connects families involved in the child well-being system with trained parent peers who offer guidance, encouragement, and support based on lived experience.
Families Together serves as a Parent Training and Information Center and Family-to-Family Health Information Center, offering resources and guidance to help families navigate education, health care, and disability services.
Families Together’s Parent-to-Parent program connects parents who have experience raising a child with a disability with other parents seeking encouragement, understanding, and support.
Connects individuals and families to caregivers in the state of Kansas.
A virtual space where families can connect, explore possibilities, and plan for the future together.
