Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham
The Special Education Boss® Podcast is where advocacy meets action. Join Karen Mayer Cunningham each week as she empowers parents and professionals to understand their rights, navigate the system, and show up strong at the IEP table.
Special Education Boss® with Karen Mayer Cunningham
What Is a Due Process Hearing—and What Does It Mean for Parents and Advocates?
f you’ve ever said, “I’ll sue the school district,” you may be thinking about a due process hearing—but do you actually know what that means?
In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen Mayer Cunningham breaks down the fourth and most formal dispute resolution option under IDEA: the Special Education Due Process Hearing.
Whether you’re a parent, advocate, or educator, you’ll walk away with a deep understanding of:
- What a due process hearing really is (and isn’t)
- What IDEA says about who can file and how to do it
- What must be included in a complaint to even be heard
- Timelines that could make or break your case
- Whether you need a lawyer—or if you can self-represent
- What happens after you file (hint: it’s not instant!)
- Karen’s personal insight from 11+ years of hearings
This isn’t about suing—it’s about knowing your rights, protecting your child, and walking into that room prepared.
Need help or want a free resource?
Just fill out the orange contact form on our site or email: advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
We’ll send you a FREE copy of the Texas Special Education Dispute Resolution Handbook.
Want your copy of the federal IDEA law book (IDEA 2004)? Get it HERE
✨ 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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📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com
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