Welcome back to The Epic IEP™, where we share stories that are funny, frustrating, and absolutely fantastic — because they really happen at the IEP table.
In today’s episode, Karen Mayer Cunningham, Special Education Boss®, walks into what should have been a routine meeting… and instead ends up in a debate about whether a student needs support every day or only three days a week— even though his disability exists seven days a week.
When the team insists the student “isn’t focused,” “isn’t motivated,” and “could do it if he wanted,” Karen breaks down exactly why misunderstanding neurological disabilities leads to poor IEPs — and poor outcomes.
Karen explains why agreement based on limited knowledge is not informed consent and why the committee must adjust services when the student is not successful.
In this episode:
- Why “lack of motivation” is NOT a disability category
- What the Schedule of Services page should actually reflect
- Why a student needs support every day — not on mystery days of the week
- Conflicts you can expect when teams see disability as “choice”
- What it means to set a student up for destiny, not destruction
When you stay grounded in the law, the data, and the student’s actual needs, clarity always wins.
📘 Get Karen’s new book — The Epic IEP
Your roadmap to writing, understanding, and implementing IEPs that actually work.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1637635125?tag=simonsayscom
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✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨
👩⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss®
Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence.
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🔗 Learn more at The Academy
📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
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🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game?
Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence.
📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl
(As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you.)
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