So you filed an OCR complaint… now what?

In Part 2 of our 3-part training series, Karen Mayer Cunningham walks you through exactly what happens after you hit "submit" on an OCR (Office for Civil Rights) complaint—because filing is just the beginning.

This training picks up where we left off in Part 1 (go back and listen if you haven’t yet!). We’re moving into what the federal process looks like after your complaint is received—including consent forms, timelines, clarification calls, documentation requirements, and what it actually means when they say they’re “gathering facts.”

You’ll learn:

✅ What happens after filing an OCR complaint
✅ The difference between a dismissal letter and a notification letter
✅ What to expect during the clarification call
✅ What role retaliation plays in a complaint
✅ Why you must stick to the facts—not feelings

Karen breaks down real-life examples of complaints she’s filed, including those on behalf of individual students and groups, and what districts are required to do under Section 504, ADA Title II, and other civil rights laws enforced by the U.S. Department of Education.

📌 Important Reminder: OCR is a neutral fact-finding body. They're not on your side. They're not on the district's side. They are there to determine if the facts support a violation of civil rights. You need documentation, clarity, and preparation to navigate this process successfully.

This episode is packed with actionable insight for parents, advocates, and professionals. Whether you’re mid-complaint or just getting started, don’t skip this one.

🔗 Join The Academy and get trained by Karen inside

🔗 Listen to Part 1 here
🎙️ Subscribe, share, and follow for more weekly training on your rights under IDEA, 504, FAPE, and special education guidelines.

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 [email protected]

📱 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.)

...