Implementation Plan Updates are due today, October 23, 2026. Please review and update all line items in your Implementation Plan to ensure the information is current.

Resources are available to guide you through the process, including a video on Updating the Priority Activities, a video on Submitting Implementation Plan Updates, and a Quick Start Guide. You may also reach out at any time for support.

The START Project supports communication access, self-determination, and meaningful participation for all students, including those who are nonspeaking or minimally speaking. Every individual has the right to effective communication supports that promote autonomy, dignity, and authentic self-expression.

Based on the available research and professional position statements, START recommends evidence-based communication interventions and supports, including Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). START does not recommend Spelling to Communicate (S2C), Rapid Prompting Method (RPM), Facilitated Communication (FC), or related approaches because there is insufficient scientific evidence demonstrating independent message authorship through these methods. 

Read the full Position Statement here.

START received feedback from RCN members and the Spring Leadership Day evaluation about the timing and format of Spring Leadership Day relative to the START Conference.

One theme in the feedback was that maintaining energy and participation during a full Leadership Day after the Conference can be challenging.

The 2027 START Conference date is already set, so we would like input from RCN members as we consider what will work best for 2028 and future years.

Please enter your feedback here in this very brief survey. Thank you for your time and input!

The Strengthening Practices Observation Tool (SPOT) helps teams observe, discuss, and strengthen evidence-based practices in early learning settings. The tool identifies the extent to which key indicators of high-quality practices are established and consistently implemented in the classroom.

SPOT is designed to support professional learning, collaborative reflection, and continuous improvement. It is not intended for teacher evaluation.

→ We encourage RCNs to share information about START's 2026-2027 Trainings and Training Series with staff, community members, and families across their regions. 

FAPE in the LRE

📅Date: October 27, 2026
⌚Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 
Location: Virtual via Zoom

Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is the foundation of special education. What do these terms really mean? How do we ensure that we are providing FAPE in the LRE? It is critical that all educational staff, including administrators, general and special education teachers, itinerant and ancillary staff, and support staff, understand these terms and the related obligation of each in order to appropriately support students with disabilities. This session will include activities and tools to enhance learning.

Inclusive Academic Engagement
Topic: For Every Learner: Making Universal Supports Everyday Practice

📅Date: October 28, 2026
⌚Time: 8:00 - 8:45 a.m. OR 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.
Location: Virtual via Zoom

Universal supports work best when they're not an afterthought, but a built-in part of daily instruction. This session shows general and special educators how to make supports that benefit every learner into everyday practice. Participants will see real classroom examples and leave with easy-to-use ideas they can try right away. The session includes interactive discussion and practical tools to ensure support is relevant to the lesson, not extra. 

Meeting Mechanics and Implementation: Team-Based Problem-Solving

📅Date: November 10, 2026
⌚Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual via Zoom

When faced with an issue or problem to solve, teams need to identify key factors and develop solutions that lead to clear action. This process can become challenging when issues are complex or emotionally charged, often slowing progress or bringing it to a halt. This session will focus on the efficient and effective six-step problem-solving process of Meeting Mechanics. Through real-world scenarios, participants will practice the Meeting Mechanics process and leave with practical, ready-to-use tools.

Inclusive Academic Engagement
Clarity by Design: Visual Strategies for Accessible Curriculum

📅Date: December 1, 2026
⌚Time: 8:00 - 8:45 a.m. OR 4:00 - 4:45 p.m.
Location: Virtual via Zoom

What if a few visual adjustments could make your curriculum click for every learner? This session explores visual strategies to enhance clarity and accessibility in everyday materials, supporting general and special educators in reaching diverse learners in inclusive settings. Drawing on real classroom examples, participants will leave with practical, ready-to-use ideas. Expect examples and sample tools you can apply directly to your own lessons. 

Peer to Peer for Families

📅Date: December 2, 2026
⌚Time: 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual via Zoom

Peer to Peer programs create opportunities for students to build friendships, foster a sense of belonging, develop leadership skills, and contribute to a more inclusive school community. Join us to learn what Peer to Peer is, how it creates opportunities for students with and without disabilities, and why these programs are making a difference in schools across Michigan. This family-focused session includes information about Participation and Helping Models, helpful resources, and opportunities to ask questions so you can better understand how Peer to Peer works and how your child can become involved.

This training is co-sponsored by START and Michigan Alliance for Families.

Providing Behavior Support in the Early Childhood Classroom

📅Date: December 4, 2026
⌚Time: 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Location: Virtual via Zoom

This presentation will focus on the PTRR model of behavior support, which includes Prevent, Teach, Reinforce, and Respond, for young children with higher support needs in early childhood settings. Participants will learn evidence-based strategies designed to promote positive behaviors and address challenges that interfere with learning and social interaction. The primary emphasis will be on developing a classroom PTRR plan. In addition, the presentation will introduce Behavioral Skills Training as an effective method for supporting staff to learn and implement strategies in the plan.

Peers Matter: Fostering Social Communication and Friendship for Students Who Use or Would Benefit from AAC

📅Date: December 8, 2026
⌚Time: 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual via Zoom

Positive interactions and relationships with peers are critically important for all students, including students with disabilities who have limited speech. This session will share evidence-based practices to build students’ social communication and language skills through augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and by supporting opportunities for peer engagement and relationships. Attendees will leave with tools they can use to foster friendships and empower every student to express themselves so they can be heard and understood. 

Instructional Strategies & Academic Engagement (ISAE) Series

📅Dates: December 15, 2026; January 28, 2027; February 11, 2027; and March 10, 2027
⌚Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual via Zoom

This 4-part training provides participants with practical, ready-to-use strategies to increase access, engagement, and independence for students with autism in general education settings. Through interactive activities, discussion, and the review of real classroom examples, participants will gain tools and strategies they can apply immediately. Attendees will learn how strategies vary with implementation. They will have a strong understanding of the similarities and concrete differences between Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Differentiated Instruction, and Specially Designed Instruction (SDI). Effective co-planning structures will be explored as a foundation for ensuring access and engagement for all learners. General tips on using assistive technology and how AI can support the creation of accessible materials will be discussed.

The Statewide Autism Resources and Training (START) Project is funded by the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education and is housed in the Grand Valley State University (GVSU) Autism Education Center (AEC). 

START Project | autismed@gvsu.edu | (616) 331-6480