AUGUST 9TH, 2026 | FISHKILL, NY

11:00 am - 4:45 pm EST

Empowered: A Special Education Community Summit

A one-of-a-kind training event for parents, educators, and advocates in the Hudson Valley.

📅 August 9, 2026 ·

📍Fishkill Recreational Center · Fishkill, NY

RESERVE YOUR SEAT

ABOUT THE EVENT

Knowledge is the most powerful tool a family can have.

Navigating special education shouldn't feel impossible. Whether you're a parent sitting at an IEP table for the first time, an educator trying to better serve your students, or a community member who believes every child deserves the right support, this event was built for you.

Empowered is a full-day community education summit featuring a dynamic panel discussion, a 3-hour hands-on training session, and a live Q&A — all designed to give you practical tools and real clarity around IEPs, 504 Plans, and the special education system.

A community vendor floor will also be open throughout the event, with specialists directly associated with local special education community resources.

This is the first event of its kind in the Hudson Valley — and it's long overdue.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

🎤 Panel Discussion

A dynamic conversation with our hosts and featured experts on the most pressing topics in special education today.

🙋 Live Q&A

Get your real questions answered by two of the most experienced voices in special education.

📖 VIP: The Epic IEP + Resource Packet

VIP ticket holders receive a copy of Karen's nationally recognized book, The Epic IEP, plus a curated resource packet to help your family prepare for the 2026–2027 school year.

📚 3-Hour Training Session

A hands-on, in-depth training led by Karen Mayer Cunningham covering how to successfully navigate IEPs, 504 Plans, and the special education system — the knowledge they don't teach you anywhere else.

🏢 Community Vendor Floor

A community vendor floor will also be open throughout the event, with specialists directly associated with local special education community resources.

TICKETS

RESERVE YOUR SEAT

Early Bird tickets are available for the first 50 registrants only up until July 9th, 2026 at midnight. Space is limited to 200 total attendees.

Early Bird General Admission

$25

First 50 Tickets | Ends July 9th

Full access to all sessions, the panel discussion, 3-hour training, live Q&A, and community vendor floor.

GET YOUR EARLY BIRD TICKETS

General Admission

$25

First 50 Tickets | Ends July 9th

Full access to all sessions, the panel discussion, 3-hour training, live Q&A, and community vendor floor.

GET GA TICKETS [AVAILABLE AFTER 7/9]

VIP

$25

First 50 Tickets | Ends July 9th

Full access to all sessions, the panel discussion, 3-hour training, live Q&A, and community vendor floor.

GET VIP TICKETS

Meet Your Hosts

Two of the most trusted voices in Special Education

Michelle Costabile

Special Education Administrator | 30-Year Veteran | Founder, EmpowerEd Consulting

Michelle Costabile has spent 30 years in the trenches of special education — as a classroom teacher, a School District Behaviorist, and now as a Special Education Administrator. Throughout her career she has impacted countless students, supported hundreds of families, and mentored educators across her community. She is not just an expert — she is someone who has shown up, year after year, to make sure that every child has what they need to succeed.

Michelle is the founder of EmpowerEd Consulting, a special education advocacy practice built on the belief that every child deserves the right support, and every parent deserves clear guidance. Her work blends deep expertise with genuine empathy — so families can advocate with confidence and students can truly thrive.

"We believe every child deserves the right support and every parent deserves clear guidance."

Karen Mayer cunningham

Nationally Recognized Special Education Advocate | Author | Special Education Boss™

"We believe every child deserves the right support and every parent deserves clear guidance."

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