Maine Access to Inclusive Education Resources

 Leading inclusive education excellence through research, innovation, collaboration and engagement

Our Story

What is Maine Access to Inclusive Education Resources?

Maine Access to Inclusive Education Resources (MAIER) serves as an information and resource clearinghouse for professionals and families to assist in accessing and navigating programs and services related to inclusive education of students with disabilities. MAIER ensures that professionals, families and individuals who are at risk of or have identified disabilities receive information about practices to promote inclusion that are grounded in research. Specifically, MAIER’s services to the state are guided by four high-leverage practices to promote inclusion and equity in education. We work to build statewide capacity in support of our mission through leadership, training, professional development, technical assistance, collaborative consultation, technology and research. MAIER is located at the University of Maine in Orono.

How was MAIER founded?

MAIER is a unique partnership between the Maine Department of Education Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education and the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development. The program was established in 2014 with significant financial support from Maine DOE, which continues to provide the bulk of its funding today. These organizations have joined forces to promote evidence-based strategies and effective practices for inclusive education throughout Maine.   

Who is MAIER for?

MAIER offers something for everyone. The project’s services to the state are guided by four high-leverage practices to promote inclusion and equity in education:

• Collaboration
• Assessment
• Social/Emotional/Behavioral
• Instruction

• Technical assistance on inclusive practices provided upon request to school districts to promote inclusive teaching practices such as Universal Design for Learning, co-teaching, and High-Leverage Practices to Promote Inclusion.
• A clearinghouse for information on evidence-based practices (EBPs) and High-Leverage Practices to Promote Inclusion.
• Information guides on EBPs and High-Leverage Practices to Promote Inclusion.
• A calendar of events in Maine related to inclusive education practices for families and professionals.
• Research, including presentations of MAIER’s work at state and national education and professional conferences.
• Using EBPs review to develop online resources and toolkits to support Maine’s educators and families, thereby improving the quality of the information provided to Maine educators, parents, caregivers and family members.

We invite you to explore MAIER’s website to learn more about our professional trainings, resources for educators, professionals, and families, and to read about our past and upcoming events.