Education Unpacked
Digging into critical issues shaping education and unpacking programming, services, budgets, infrastructure, and data with transparency. Focusing on school-centered insight, realities in our schools impacting students and staff and an eye on what's next!
In this episode, host Micki O’Neil talks with Michael McDonald, Director of Transition Programming at Ingham ISD, about services for students aged 18–26. They discuss the SAIL program, Project SEARCH, individualized transition plans, community-based volunteer training sites, life skills (cooking, laundry, grocery shopping), transportation options, and how education can continue through age 26 in Michigan.
Every student deserves not just access—but meaningful support and full participation in school. In this episode, we dive into the two key pathways that provide that support in K–12 education: the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Episode 3 | How Michigan’s Intermediate School Districts Support Special Education
Every student deserves the chance to succeed—and for many, that begins with the right support system. In this episode of the UnPacked Podcast, we explore how Michigan’s Intermediate School Districts (ISDs)—also known as Regional Education Service Agencies (RESAs)—play a vital role in providing special education services across the state.
Hear from educators and experts as they explain how ISDs collaborate with local school districts to meet diverse student needs, deliver specialized staff and resources, and ensure compliance with state and federal education laws.
This episode sheds light on the impact of these partnerships on students, families, and communities—and how coordinated support helps every learner reach their full potential.
