About MITTIN


What is MITTIN?

MITTIN – MIchigan Transition To INdependence is a dynamic collection of modules and curricular resources which foster the development of independent living skills in the home and community. Designed to support special education transition-related instruction, these resources are free and available for all parents, schools, educators and learners in Michigan. MITTIN is a partnership of the Michigan Association of Administrators of Special Education (MAASE), Michigan Council for Exceptional Children (MCEC), Great Lakes Reality Labs (GLRL) and Public Policy Associates (PPA).

 

Benefits of MITTIN
The many benefits of using MITTIN instructional resources include:

  • Supporting learners in need of more instructional time;
  • Preparing learners that may not have as much access to the community to learn and practice transition skills;
  • Creating connections between community experiences and the classroom to increase generalization of transition skills; and
  • Scaffolding tasks from guided to independent practice to promote safety in the home and community.

 

What Can Learners Experience?

MITTIN brings real-life experiences to learners who are working to achieve transition-related goals. The resources provide learners the ability to practice independent living skills with varying levels of complexity. Currently there are 13 modules which support the development of safety and independence in the home and community. These skills may be used individually or as proficiency develops, modules can be sequenced to create more complicated, interconnected tasks.

 

 

Strategic Plan

Leadership Structure

Research & Evaluation


MITTIN Committee

  • Derek Cooley
    Derek Cooley
    Director of Special Education Godwin Heights Public Schools (616)252-2090
  • Lois Vaughan-Hussain
    Lois Vaughan-Hussain
    Special Education Consultant (313)680-4393
  • Tiffany Wright
    Tiffany Wright
    SE Director Waverly Community Schools
  • Sarah Winslow
    Sarah Winslow
    Statewide Director, Project SEARCH MAASE
  • Pam Cunningham
    Pam Cunningham
    Assistive Technology Consultant (734)334-1704
  • Cora Heyboer
    Cora Heyboer
    Transitions Coordinator/Ast. Program Supervisor
  • Suzanna Ruskusky
    Suzanna Ruskusky
    AAC Consultant
  • James Nuse
    James Nuse
    Ph.D., BCBA-D Executive Director of Special Education Services and Early Childhood Programming Ionia Public Schools (616)841-4036

MITTIN Leadership Team

  • Stevie Mays
    Executive Director Michigan Council for Exceptional Children (734)776-2469
  • Daniel Quinn
    Daniel Quinn
    Public Policy Associates (PPA)
  • Karen Hairston
    Karen Hairston
    MDE-OSE MDE-OSE
  • Antonio Rodriguez
    Antonio Rodriguez
    Director of Business and Operations MAASE

MITTIN Staff

  • Abby Cypher
    Abby Cypher
    Executive Director MAASE (517)618-1342
    MAASE Executive Director
  • Ben Hicks
    Ben Hicks
    Assoc. Executive Director of Training & Development MAASE (517)618-1519
    MAASE Associate Executive Director
  • Kristine Gullen
    Kristine Gullen
    Project Manager MAASE
    Project Manager
  • Lindsey Zeller
    Lindsey Zeller
    Manager of Membership & Marketing MAASE
    Manager of Membership and Marketing

MITTIN Partnerships