Does a medical diagnosis guarantee an IEP? Not under IDEA. Today, Karen breaks down medical diagnosis vs. educational eligibility—and why the IEP team makes the call based on educational impact and specially designed instruction, not just a doctor’s note. Then we dive into your Q&A: ADHD suspensions in K, Tourette’s (OHI), MDRs & safety, private school obligations, 504 vs. IEP, re-evals, para shortages, and more.
We’re not giving legal advice. We’re educating you.

What You’ll Learn

• Dx ≠ Eligibility: How a medical diagnosis informs—but doesn’t decide—IDEA eligibility.
• IEP Team = Decision-makers: Who sits at the table and why your data matters.
• IEP vs. 504: Accommodations alone vs. specially designed instruction + related services.
• Capture both: Note medical conditions and write goals/services for all needs shown by evaluation data.
• Safety first: No learning without safety—document, convene, and decide LRE with data.
• Join The Academy (250+ hrs): https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/about
• Pre-order The Epic IEP on Amazon (search “The Epic IEP”)
• Claim $500 in pre-order bonuses: TheEpicIEP.com
• Work with an Advocate: [email protected]
  
  

“Do you know your rights?”
“You don’t know what you don’t know—but you need to.”
“This is why we sit at the table prepared.”

When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone.

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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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