Know Your Rights. Sit at the Table Prepared.
Special education insights, rights education, and practical guidance from Karen Mayer Cunningham. Because you don't know what you don't know — but you need to.
Can a Para Be Left Alone with My Child? What Parents Must Know About Special Education Law
If someone at your school said "it's fine" without showing you the law — it probably was not fine. This is a full breakdown of what the law actually says about paraprofessionals, AAC rights, autism eligibility, and 504 plans. Every week inside the Special...
What Schools Don’t Tell You About Procedural Safeguards in IEP Meetings (And Why It Matters)
Most Parents Are Missing This—And It Changes Everything Most parents walk into an IEP meeting believing decisions will be made at the table. But what if those decisions were already made before you even sat down? After 30 years in special education, I can tell you...
Back to School Edition
What Every Parent & Advocate Needs to Know It’s that time of year again. New backpacks, sharpened pencils, fresh sneakers — and for families navigating special education, it’s also the season of new teachers, new case managers, and sometimes the same old...
The Path to Special Education Testing and Services
The Path to Special Education Testing and Services As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. So when you notice your son or daughter struggling or falling behind in some area, it’s important to speak up and take action. One option to explore is having your...
Navigating Special Education: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Is your child struggling in school and you feel like your voice isn't being heard? Do Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings leave you feeling confused and powerless? You are not alone. Navigating special education can feel overwhelming for even the most...
The Advocate’s Deep Dive into Child Find: Uncovering the Hidden Pathways to Special Education
Today, let's focus our hearts and minds on a topic that often goes unnoticed but holds immense power: Child Find. This legal cornerstone in special education is a game-changer, and I'm thrilled to guide you through its intricacies. What Is Child Find? Child Find is a...