Panel Q&A: Real Special Education Scenarios Every Parent and Advocate Needs to Hear

Join Karen Mayer Cunningham, the Special Education Boss®, for a powerful panel Q&A and discussion covering real special education questions from parents, advocates, and professionals across the country.

In this open conversation, Karen tackles critical issues facing families and educators — from IEP rights to retaliation policies, advanced classes, AAC devices, and more — all with her signature blend of humor, clarity, and empowerment.

💬 In this episode, we cover:

• What services a child who is blind should receive — and why proper vision assessments matter
• How to join The Academy and access 300+ hours of advocacy training
• Whether schools can recommend placements without data
• Why data—not opinions—drives every special education decision
• Retaliation protections under the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
• Why speech cannot be “made up” in another class
• IEP eligibility disagreements and your right to reconvene within 10 days
• Academic goals in behavioral classrooms
• Why related service providers must be at transition meetings
• What happens when a district brings an attorney to an IEP meeting
• Access to advanced classes for students with IEPs
• AAC/SGD evaluations for nonverbal students
• Whether classroom parties and parent exclusions may raise discrimination concerns
• Why parents should always request evaluations before meetings

This episode is packed with real-world insights for parents, educators, and advocates who want to understand — and use — their procedural rights effectively.

🎓 Join The Academy:
Access over 300 hours of training, live coaching calls, and full course access — including “How to Get Your Child Evaluated for Special Education.”
👉 https://www.specialeducationacademy.com

📘 Get the Book — The Epic IEP™:
Your guide to navigating and negotiating successful student outcomes.
👉 https://www.theepiciep.com

🎥 Watch more episodes on YouTube:
Subscribe to stay updated with weekly advocacy trainings and Q&A sessions.
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@SpecialEducationBoss

Support the show

✨ 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.

👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week!
🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources
🔗 Learn more at The Academy

📬 Have a question? Email us at [e-mail]

📱 Follow Karen on:

• TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationboss
• YouTube: Special Education Academy

🧠 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.)

...