In this powerful episode of Her Unshakeable Confidence, Simone and Olivia sit down with Karen Mayer Cunningham — special education advocate, trainer, speaker, and founder of the Epic IEP Academy. Karen shares her mission to equip parents, educators, and advocates with the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate the special education system. She helps them fight for every child’s rights.
Drawing from her own journey as the mother of a child with disabilities, Karen talks about how the lack of information, training, and accountability in schools inspired her to take action. She teaches others to do the same. She opens up about building the Epic IEP Academy, training teams nationwide, and writing her upcoming book The Epic IEP: A Powerful Playbook for Parents, Educators, and Advocates.
Simone and Olivia dive into real-world challenges — from walking into intimidating IEP meetings to advocating for accommodations in college and beyond. Karen explains why preparation is key and how federal law empowers parents. She emphasizes why collaboration (not conflict) should be the focus at the table.
Through humor, honesty, and bold insight, Karen reminds listeners that confidence isn’t about perfection — it’s about conviction, persistence, and refusing to walk away when children need you most. This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, aspiring advocates, and anyone passionate about creating change in special education.
✅ Actionable Takeaways
Be Prepared Before the Meeting: Request the full draft of the IEP in advance. This way, you can make informed decisions and avoid being rushed or sidelined.
Weekly Learning Matters: Ongoing training — not one-time meetings — is essential for parents, educators, and advocates to stay effective and confident.
Stay at the Table When It’s Uncomfortable: Advocacy isn’t about being liked. It’s about getting results for the child, even if that means pushing back or slowing down the process.
Explain Accommodations to the Child: Kids need to understand the purpose of their support to feel empowered instead of embarrassed.
Use Federal Law as a Tool, Not a Threat: IDEA and Section 504 establish parents as key decision-makers. Confidence comes from knowing your rights.
Collaboration Over Compliance: An IEP should be about serving the child, not just checking boxes or rushing through paperwork.
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 — Introduction
01:25 — Karen’s background and advocating for her daughter
07:10 — The Epic IEP Academy and weekly training model
13:42 — Serving parents, educators, and advocates nationwide
18:55 — Social media, reach, and educating the masses
20:48 — The upcoming book The Epic IEP
24:35 — Accommodations in college and federal protections
27:06 — Assistive technology and changing expectations
30:22 — Addressing embarrassment around accommodations
32:17 — Preparing parents before IEP meetings
36:45 — Why schools often lack training
39:38 — Confidence, coaching, and hope in special education
44:09 — Advice from the women in her life
46:28 — Humor, resilience, and staying unshakable
46:59 — Where to find Karen
✨ About Karen Mayer Cunningham
Karen Mayer Cunningham, widely known as the Special Education Boss®, is a nationally recognized trainer, speaker, and advocate. She equips parents and professionals to navigate and negotiate successful student outcomes at the IEP and 504 table. As founder of Special Education Academy™ and author of The EPIC IEP™, she brings clarity, humor, and practical strategies to one of the most complex systems families face. Karen’s mission is simple: empower every voice at the table so children receive the education and support they deserve.
🔗 Connect with Karen Mayer Cunningham
Website: specialeducationacademy.com
Book Info: theepiciep.com
Instagram: @specialeducationboss
LinkedIn: Karen Mayer Cunningham
Facebook: Karen Mayer Cunningham
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