Karen May – CEO of Aspired Learning and Lifestyle | Visionary in Disability Services and Special Education
👩💼 Who is Karen May?
Dr Karen May is a leading UK-based social entrepreneur, educator, and advocate for individuals with learning disabilities. As the visionary CEO of Aspired Learning and Lifestyle, she is recognised for her lifelong dedication to building inclusive spaces where individuals with different abilities are not just supported—but celebrated.
Karen’s mission is clear: to raise expectations, not pity—and to build a world where inclusion, independence, and innovation define the future of disability support services.
🏆 Founder of Abilities Development – A Model Day Centre in London
In 2010, Karen founded Abilities Development, a pioneering adult day centre in London designed to empower individuals with learning challenges. Today, it stands as a model of excellence, offering person-centred care, skill development, and social inclusion for clients across the borough.
🏠 Supported Living & Respite Homes Across London
From that first centre, Karen has grown her vision into a network of supported living accommodations and respite care homes throughout London. Each home reflects her core philosophy: tailored support, high expectations, and dignity for every individual.
With over 15 years of direct care leadership and nearly 31 years in the sector, Karen’s practical and strategic insight is unmatched.
🎓 Doctorate in Special Education & Unrivalled Expertise
Holding a Doctorate in Special Education, Karen bridges academic insight with hands-on care delivery. Her deep understanding of learning differences, neurodiversity, and inclusive education informs every aspect of her leadership, training, and advocacy work.
💡 Coaching for Aspiring Care Entrepreneurs
Through Aspired Learning and Lifestyle, Karen coaches new and aspiring entrepreneurs in the social care sector—particularly those looking to launch:
- Adult Day Centres
- Supported Living Services
- Respite Homes
- Inclusive community programs
Her tailored coaching programs offer practical guidance to navigate CQC requirements, staff recruitment, community integration, and service quality development.
🤝 Why Partner With Karen May?
- ✅ Proven Success: Founder of multiple thriving care services in London.
- ✅ Strategic Coaching: Personalised support to build sustainable, impactful care businesses.
- ✅ Academic + Practical Knowledge: A rare combination of doctorate-level insight and real-world experience.
- ✅ Inclusive Leadership: Advocating for neurodiverse inclusion and societal change.
🌍 Vision for Inclusion & Neurodiversity
Karen May believes in a world where neurotypical society uplifts those with different needs—not by exception, but by design. Her work is driven by the dream of a fully integrated world that:
- Embraces neurodiversity
- Sets high expectations for all
- Offers practical, scalable interventions
- Breaks barriers between communities
📣 Ready to Start or Scale Your Care Business?
Whether you’re starting a day centre, launching supported living services, or seeking a mentor to grow in the disability services sector—Karen May is the expert to guide your journey.