2026-2027 Trainings and Training Series Schedule
All trainings and training series are contingent on the receipt of continued START Project funding from the Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education for the 2026–2027 fiscal year.
The 2026-2027 Training and Training Series schedule is subject to change.
Start Date
9/23/2026
Title
Creating a Neuro-Affirming Environment: Strategies for Educators
Training Type
Training
Sessions
1
Location
Lansing
Start Time
9:00 a.m.
End Time
3:30 p.m.
Fee
$45
Training Information
This full-day training supports educators in developing a deeper, more nuanced understanding of Autistic experiences. Grounded in a neurodiversity-affirming framework, the training explores how language, expectations, and environments influence outcomes. Participants will learn about topics such as the Double Empathy Problem, Spoon Theory, and the importance of positive language, while gaining practical strategies to create inclusive, respectful, and supportive learning environments.
Intended Audience: Educators, school administrators, and support staff interested in creating a more inclusive and supportive educational environment where all students belong
Topic
- Creating a Neuro-Affirming Environment
Glossary of Terms
- Training: A professional development opportunity designed to improve the knowledge and/or skills of attendees in a particular topic or practice. A training is at least two hours. While participants may be encouraged to attend all parts of a training, they are not required to do so and will still have a meaningful experience if they do not attend all parts.
- Session: Individual segments within a training, each focusing on a specific topic or key concept.
- Training Series: A collection of multiple trainings or webinars that focuses on the same topic or theme. A training series can be offered as (1) a sequence of trainings or webinars that build upon each other or (2) independent trainings or webinars on the same theme. Participants are required to attend all modules in a training series.
- Module: An organized collection of content presented together as a cohesive training/learning unit, usually on a particular topic in an in-person or virtual format.
- Bootcamp: A collection of modules on a related topic or theme in a condensed, often consecutive timeframe.
- Webinar: A live professional development opportunity or discussion focused on a single topic or practice. Webinars are less than two hours.