Podcast
Don't IEP Alone.
Hosted by Lisa Lightner · EN
Inspired by her own son with disabilities, Lisa Lightner is an award-winning blogger and advocate. She has previously worked for her county's Arc and has served on the Boards of Directors for several disability organizations.
Currently, she is her county's chairperson for the Right to Education Task Force, a federally decreed group set up in 1971 to ensure that all children in Pennsylvania had the opportunity to an education.
When not attending IEP meetings with families or lobbying in Harrisburg and DC for disability rights, she can be found on the web at her IEP advice blog, A Day in our Shoes. She is known for her practical, realistic and implementable advice for parents.
Warning: I've been told I have a Philly accent. I don't hear it. Also, I curse. It's something I'm working on as far as personal development. So please don't be put off. I'm trying.
📣Preorder my book on Amazon,
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why "Gotcha!" is not an effective advocacy strategy.
Feb 1300:12:18Tap to summarizeYou can be right.You can even prove you’re right.That doesn’t mean you’ll get what your child needs.Read instead of listen: Why “Gotcha” Doesn’t Win IEP Meetings.related content: Is My Child Receiving FAPE? What It Actually Looks Like in Real Life.Take the online special education advocacy training (what DOES win IEP meetings!)Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate Thank you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time!Support the showOther ways I can help you with IEPs:📚 Order my book
Transcribe →What's the Most Imporant Part of the IEP?
Jan 2800:06:44Tap to summarizeIf you have limited time and just want to know what to focus on quickly, which section of the IEP is the most important?Support the showOther ways I can help you with IEPs:📚 Order my book
Transcribe →Avoiding the February IEP Freakout: Proactive Tips for Parents
Jan 1300:14:48Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Don't IEP Alone, Lisa Lightner shares why February can be a stressful month for IEP parents, what causes the annual "February freakout," and proactive steps you can take now to better advocate for your child. Get essential advice on IEP renewals, kindergarten and transition webinars, progress monitoring, and how to avoid last-minute panic as spring approaches. All the tools and resources you need are in the show notes!🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉https://dontiepalone.com/iep-progress/ℹ️ IEP Present Levels for Teachers: https://dontiepalone.com/sale-iep-present-levels/🧰 IEP Meeting Toolkit: https://dontiepalone.com/iep-meeting-preparation-toolkit/🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Training: https://access.dontiepalone.com/dont-iep-alone-sale/⚠️More on IEP Progress Monitoring: https://adayinourshoes.com/how-to-monitor-iep-progress-for-parents/🎯 Free IEP Goal Tracker: https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-goal-tracker/🧑🏼🤝🧑🏼 Join A Community of Parents and Advocates who "get it": https://village.adayinourshoes.com Facebook.com/ADayInOurShoesIEPInstagram: @DontIEPalone Free Webinar: Middle & High School IEPs https://dontiepalone.com/free-webinar-middle-high-school-ieps/Free Webinar: The Preschool to Kindergarten IEP Transition: https://dontiepalone.com/free-webinar-kindergarten-iep-transition/Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate Thank you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time!Support the showOther ways I can help you with IEPs:📚 Order my book
Transcribe →Navigating Family Boundaries: Grief, Politics, and Advocacy
Jan 700:29:27Tap to summarizeIn this special episode of "Don't IEP Alone," Lisa Lightner shares her personal journey of setting boundaries with family amid political and social divides, especially as a special needs parent and advocate. She discusses the grief of lost relationships, the importance of protecting your energy, and how the disability community can find support and understanding—even when it means creating your own village. An honest conversation about family, advocacy, and staying strong when facing adversity.🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉https://dontiepalone.com/iep-progress/ℹ️ IEP Present Levels for Teachers: https://dontiepalone.com/sale-iep-present-levels/🧰 IEP Meeting Toolkit: https://dontiepalone.com/iep-meeting-preparation-toolkit/🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Training: https://access.dontiepalone.com/dont-iep-alone-sale/⚠️More on IEP Progress Monitoring: https://adayinourshoes.com/how-to-monitor-iep-progress-for-parents/🎯 Free IEP Goal Tracker: https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-goal-tracker/🧑🏼🤝🧑🏼 Join A Community of Parents and Advocates who "get it": https://village.adayinourshoes.com Facebook.com/ADayInOurShoesIEPInstagram: @DontIEPalone Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate The IEP process never gets easier. YOU get better.How? With specific action steps and training.Visit ADayInOurShoes.org for more information. Thank you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time!Support the showOther ways I can help you with IEPs:📚 Order my book
Transcribe →New Year, Fresh IEP Data: How to Track Progress and Advocate Effectively
Jan 600:14:48Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Don't IEP Alone, host Lisa Lightner shares actionable tips for parents on IEP data collection after the holiday break. Learn how to track skills at home, compare school reports, and use documentation to advocate for your child’s needs. Plus, discover new IEP toolkits and resources to start your year empowered!🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉https://dontiepalone.com/iep-progress/ℹ️ IEP Present Levels for Teachers: https://dontiepalone.com/sale-iep-present-levels/🧰 IEP Meeting Toolkit: https://dontiepalone.com/iep-meeting-preparation-toolkit/🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Training: https://access.dontiepalone.com/dont-iep-alone-sale/⚠️More on IEP Progress Monitoring: https://adayinourshoes.com/how-to-monitor-iep-progress-for-parents/🎯 Free IEP Goal Tracker: https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-goal-tracker/🧑🏼🤝🧑🏼 Join A Community of Parents and Advocates who "get it": https://village.adayinourshoes.com Facebook.com/ADayInOurShoesIEPInstagram: @DontIEPaloneDon't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate Thank you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time!Support the showOther ways I can help you with IEPs:📚 Order my book
Transcribe →They Used a REED to Skip Testing? Yeah, Let’s Talk About That…
Dec 200:10:20Tap to summarize🧑🏼🤝🧑🏼 Every question is answered by an advocate--Join A Community of Parents and Advocates who "get it": https://village.adayinourshoes.com 🔴 IEP Transition Workshop Series: adayinourshoes.com/iep-transition-workshops/ 🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Training: 👉 dontiepalone.com/online-special-education-... ⚠️More on IEP Transition Planning: adayinourshoes.com/iep-transition/ 🎯 Free IEP Binder for Parents: adayinourshoes.com/free-iep-binder/ Your IEP Playbook: https://adayinourshoes/book/Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate Thank you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time!Support the showOther ways I can help you with IEPs:📚 Order my book
Transcribe →They Don’t Have to Train You...Unless You Ask. 🙄
Nov 1900:09:20Tap to summarizeNo, the School Isn’t Going to Offer Training (Unless You Demand It) 🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉https://dontiepalone.com/iep-progress/🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Training: 👉 https://dontiepalone.com/online-special-education-advocacy-training/⚠️More on IEP Progress Monitoring: https://adayinourshoes.com/how-to-monitor-iep-progress-for-parents/🎯 Free IEP Goal Tracker: https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-goal-tracker/ Facebook.com/ADayInOurShoesIEPInstagram: @DontIEPalone 🧑🏼🤝🧑🏼 Join A Community of Parents and Advocates who "get it": https://village.adayinourshoes.com 🧑🏼🤝🧑🏼Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate Thank you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time!Support the showOther ways I can help you with IEPs:📚 Order my book
Transcribe →The School Suspended Your Child. Now What?
Nov 1800:12:55Tap to summarizeHow to Prepare for an IEP Manifestation Determination Hearing at School.🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉https://dontiepalone.com/iep-progress/🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Training: 👉 https://dontiepalone.com/online-special-education-advocacy-training/⚠️More on FAPE: https://adayinourshoes.com/fape/🎯 Free IEP Binder for Parents: https://adayinourshoes.com/free-iep-binder/https://Facebook.com/ADayInOurShoesIEPhttps://Instagram.com/DontIEPalone 🧑🏼🤝🧑🏼 Every question is answered by an advocate--Join A Community of Parents and Advocates who "get it": https://village.adayinourshoes.com Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate Thank you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time!Support the showOther ways I can help you with IEPs:📚 Order my book
Transcribe →What am I doing differently as an advocate right now? Lemme tell you...
Nov 400:22:59Tap to summarizeTimes are different, and challenging. Here's what I'm doing a little bit differently.Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate Thank you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time!Support the showOther ways I can help you with IEPs:📚 Order my book
Transcribe →12 Tips for Special Education Parent-Teacher Conferences
Oct 2800:39:31Tap to summarizeWelcome to "Don't IEP Alone," the podcast that provides support and guidance for parents navigating the world of Individualized Education Programs. In today's episode, we'll be sharing 12 valuable tips for special education parent-teacher conferences during IEP season. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to this journey, these insights will help you approach these important meetings with confidence and clarity. From setting expectations and communication strategies to addressing concerns and understanding your rights, we've got you covered. So grab a pen and paper, and let's dive into these essential tips to ensure you make the most of your parent-teacher conferences.Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate Thank you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time!Support the showOther ways I can help you with IEPs:📚 Order my book
Transcribe →