Karen Mayer Cunningham - Founder & CEO, Special Education Academy - Transforming Special Education

Send us a text Karen Mayer Cunningham is a nationally recognized leader in special education advocacy and the Founder and CEO of the Special Education Academy ( https://specialeducationacademy.com/ ), an organization dedicated to empowering parents to navigate the complex world of special education with clarity, confidence, and purpose. After confronting the challenges of the system firsthand as a parent, Karen transformed her experience into a mission — helping families across the country understand their rights, communicate effectively with schools, and ensure that every child receives the support and services they are entitled to under the law. Through the Special Education Academy, Karen has built a trusted community and a practical, education-based training model that bridges the gap between parents and educators. Her work emphasizes collaboration, knowledge, and empowerment — giving families the tools to become informed, effective advocates for their children. Known for her energy, honesty, and engaging communication style, Karen has become a leading voice for reform and accountability in special education, inspiring parents and professionals alike to work together toward a more equitable and inclusive educational system. Karen is also an accomplished stand-up comedian. Karen"s new book, The Epic IEP: A Powerful Playbook for Parents, Educators, and Advocates Navigating the Special Education Process  ( https://theepiciep.com/ )  is available for pre-order and will be released January 27, 2026 ( https://www.amazon.com/Epic-IEP-Educators-Advocates-Navigating/dp/1637635125 ). :Links to Karen"s Podcast - • Buzzsprout: https://specialeducationboss.buzzsprout.com • Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/special-education-boss-with-karen-mayer-cunningham/id1805933912 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03I43tikXlYvR6xIe3F24w?si=53e4f3b73e514a06 • iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/271518986/ • Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d75378a3-0f8b-4fd1-989b-67a5723b5377/special-education-boss%C2%AE-with-karen-mayer-cunningham • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI3YgeQrpe51K4Ia4GWqS3fTnGj_DGLan #KarenMayerCunningham #SpecialEducationAcademy #IndividualizedEducationProgram #IndividualsWithDisabilitiesEducationAct #504Plan #RehabilitationActOf1973 #AutismSpectrumDisorder #EmotionalDisturbance #Deafness #Blindness #IntellectualDisability #OrthopedicImpairment #SpecificLearningDisability #LanguageImpairment #SpeechImpairment #TraumaticBrainInjury #PresentLevelsOfAcademicAchievementAndFunctionalPerformance #Comedy #Humor #ProgressPotentialAndPossibilities #IraPastor #Podcast #Podcaster #ViralPodcast #STEM #Innovation #Technology #Science #Research Support the show