Dr Karen May is a pioneering leader, social care strategist, and disability inclusion expert based in London. As CEO and Founder of Abilities Development, she has dedicated over 31 years to transforming lives in the disability services sector.
Driven by a core belief in high expectations over pity, Karen champions the belief that individuals with learning challenges should be celebrated for their potential, not sidelined by their labels.
🏢 Founder & CEO – Abilities Development
In 2011, Karen launched Abilities Development, a thriving adult day centre in London that empowers individuals with learning disabilities to live enriched, independent, and purpose-driven lives.
The centre has since become a model of excellence in adult social care, offering personalised support, life skills training, and inclusive community programmes.
🏠 Expanding Supported Living & Respite Homes Across London
Karen’s vision goes far beyond a single centre. Over the past decade, she has developed a growing portfolio of supported living services and respite care homes across London—each one built around compassion, dignity, and empowerment.
Her approach is rooted in bespoke, person-centred care that reflects the individual’s voice, needs, and dreams.
🎓 Doctorate in Special Education & 30+ Years of Sector Experience
Karen holds a Doctorate in Special Education, giving her a rare combination of academic insight and frontline experience. Her deep understanding of:
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Neurodiversity
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Inclusive education
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Person-centred care
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Behavioural strategies
…makes her a trusted authority across health, education, and care sectors in the UK.
💼 Empowering Future Entrepreneurs in Social Care
As a mentor and coach, Karen helps aspiring care leaders and entrepreneurs build successful and sustainable services in the disability sector, including:
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How to start an adult day centre
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Developing supported living services
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Navigating CQC regulations
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Building inclusive community models
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Staff recruitment and training
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Creating high-impact care frameworks
Her consultancy, through Abilities Development and Aspired Learning and Lifestyle, delivers step-by-step guidance rooted in real-life experience and proven success.
💬 Why Partner with Karen May?
✅ Proven Track Record: Founder of thriving day centres and supported homes in London
✅ Doctoral-Level Expertise: Academic research meets hands-on impact
✅ Strategic Support: End-to-end coaching for care startups and growth projects
✅ National Vision: Championing inclusive practices that elevate society as a whole
🌍 A Vision for True Inclusion and High Expectations
Karen’s dream is to see a neurotypical society uplift neurodiverse individuals—not through charity, but through belief, opportunity, and action.
She is a leading voice for:
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Positive dialogue about neurodiversity
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Mainstream inclusion for those with learning disabilities
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Elevating societal expectations
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Dismantling stigma and reframing ability
📣 Looking to Start or Grow a Care Service? Karen May Can Help.
Whether you’re:
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Launching a new adult day centre
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Developing a respite home or supported living accommodation
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Seeking training for staff or leadership
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Or aiming to scale your existing service
Karen May brings the expertise, compassion, and tools to help you succeed.