SEAM: Supporting Educational Achievement for Minorities
The primary aim of the SEAM project is to improve educational services, retention and postsecondary outcomes for minority students with disabilities, by providing parent training and support in the culturally diverse region of Southwest Detroit. The recruitment process focuses on families who have children age three to twenty six, currently receiving special education services through the Detroit Public School system or charter schools. The Southwest region of Detroit has Hispanic, African American and Arab families who experience both language and cultural barriers which promote an atmosphere of isolation and segregation. SEAM training will be provided by Hispanic and African American parents of children with disabilities, who are recognized leaders in this community. The training content will be responsive to adult learners' needs and be in the native language of the participants. Training curriculum will be designed to teach parents how to understand the educational needs of their children, increase parental school participation, 
promote navigation of the complex educational system, the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process and designing meaningful transition plans for students over the age of 14 that truly support community connections. SEAM will ultimately support the successful education outcomes of children by increasing inclusion in the schools and community where minority families live.In order to achieve the goals of the SEAM project, several activities will be conducted including the following:
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Provide minority parents and caregivers of children with disabilities training on the education process and strategies for increasing successful interaction with the school community in Southwest Detroit.
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Host training opportunities that focus on teaching systems navigation and self-advocacy skills. Trainings will be done in both English and Spanish.
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Support the successful education outcomes of children by increasing inclusion in the schools and community of Southwest Detroit.
If you would like more information regarding the SEAM project, please contact the Project Director, Ms. Julia Hernandez, by email at juliaphernandez@wayne.edu or by phone at 313-577-5819. Please check out the links below for informative SEAM brochures.
