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.
📣Order my book on Amazon,
22episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
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 →From Phone Calls to Handwritten Letters: Tips to Make Legislators Listen on Issues
Jul 16, 202500:09:59Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the Don't IEP Alone podcast with Lisa Lightner! In today’s episode, Lisa dives into the importance of contacting your representatives—even if you sometimes feel like your voice won’t make a difference. Drawing from her own advocacy experiences and conversations with legislators, Lisa explains why it’s crucial for constituents to reach out, share their stories, and hold elected officials accountable, even in districts where the odds seem stacked against you. She also shares actionable tips on how to increase the impact of your outreach—whether through heartfelt phone calls, original emails, or handwritten letters—and encourages persistence and creativity when engaging with policymakers. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just beginning your journey, Lisa’s insights will help empower you to make your voice heard for the special education community. Be sure to visit dontiepalone.com and adayinarshoes.com for more resources.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 show📣Preorder my book 📣 Amazon Books-A-Million Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble! More IEP help for you--at home or at school--📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff) 📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents ☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents 🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents 👩💻 Online Advocacy Training 🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question 🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
Transcribe →Reviving Parent Groups: The Old and New of Special Ed Advocacy
Jul 15, 202500:14:24Tap to summarizeWelcome back to Don't IEP Alone! In this episode, host Lisa Lightner shares a heartfelt update from the thick of summer, reminding parents to communicate their children's special health needs—like temperature regulation—to their IEP teams. Lisa dives into some unique Pennsylvania special education history, spotlighting the origins of IEPs and the creation of "intermediate units" and local task forces that advocate for families. She reflects on her experiences leading one of these groups, the ongoing challenges in keeping parents engaged, and the vital role these task forces play in supporting special education.This week, Lisa also shares her recent advocacy efforts, including an important conversation with her local Congresswoman about Medicaid and HCBS services. The big takeaway? Your voice matters—even if your district feels impossible to influence. Lisa encourages everyone to keep reaching out to policymakers because persistent advocacy does make a difference, especially as we head into a pivotal year for policy and representation. Stick around for practical advocacy advice, a dash of inspiration, and a reminder to check out the new Don't IEP Alone website for more tools and training. Stay cool and enjoy the episode!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 show📣Preorder my book 📣 Amazon Books-A-Million Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble! More IEP help for you--at home or at school--📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff) 📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents ☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents 🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents 👩💻 Online Advocacy Training 🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question 🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
Transcribe →Medical Records and the IEP
Jul 10, 202500:22:28Tap to summarizeThe school has asked for access to your child's medical records. Now what?Do I have to share my child’s medical records with the IEP team?Support the show📣Preorder my book 📣 Amazon Books-A-Million Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble! More IEP help for you--at home or at school--📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff) 📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents ☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents 🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents 👩💻 Online Advocacy Training 🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question 🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
Transcribe →Is ESY starting this week? And, yeah, the Medicaid thing.
Jul 9, 202500:09:45Tap to summarizeDon'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 show📣Preorder my book 📣 Amazon Books-A-Million Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble! More IEP help for you--at home or at school--📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff) 📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents ☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents 🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents 👩💻 Online Advocacy Training 🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question 🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
Transcribe →Our advocacy is not enough.
Jul 8, 202500:10:04Tap to summarizeAnd hey, my book is on sale today at Barnes & Noble!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 show📣Preorder my book 📣 Amazon Books-A-Million Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble! More IEP help for you--at home or at school--📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff) 📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents ☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents 🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents 👩💻 Online Advocacy Training 🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question 🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
Transcribe →IEE-Independent Education Evaluations
Jul 2, 202500:21:49Tap to summarizeWhat parents need to know about IEEs-Independent Education Evaluations. When and how to ask for one, what criteria to use to ask for one and what to do once you've received an IEE report.Support the show📣Preorder my book 📣 Amazon Books-A-Million Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble! More IEP help for you--at home or at school--📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff) 📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents ☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents 🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents 👩💻 Online Advocacy Training 🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question 🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
Transcribe →Should you hire an IEP Advocate?
Jul 1, 202500:18:48Tap to summarizeHiring an IEP advocate or Special Education Advocate is a tough decision. Here are some things to consider before you take the plunge.Support the show📣Preorder my book 📣 Amazon Books-A-Million Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble! More IEP help for you--at home or at school--📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff) 📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents ☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents 🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents 👩💻 Online Advocacy Training 🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question 🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
Transcribe →A 13th and 14th year?
Jun 25, 202500:22:10Tap to summarizeStudents with IEPs can continue in public schools until ages 19 or even 25. But should they? And who decides?Support the show📣Preorder my book 📣 Amazon Books-A-Million Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble! More IEP help for you--at home or at school--📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff) 📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents ☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents 🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents 👩💻 Online Advocacy Training 🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question 🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
Transcribe →🚨 Medicaid Cuts, Advocacy, and Why We Can’t Stay Silent 🚨
Jun 24, 202500:17:39Tap to summarizeA bill just passed in the House that could mean big cuts to Medicaid—even though the word Medicaid isn’t in it. Sound sneaky? That’s because it is.In this episode, I’m breaking down:✅ What this bill actually does✅ The myths about Medicaid fraud that keep getting repeated (and why they’re bogus)✅ Why we must take action—today, not tomorrow✅ How to call, email, and visit your senator to make your voice heardOur kids need us to fight for them. No one is coming to save us—it’s on us to push back. We are NOT the minority. The majority of Americans are fed up, and it’s time to act.🔗 Links to scripts, templates, and resources: https://adayinourshoes.com/medicaid-cuts/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 show📣Preorder my book 📣 Amazon Books-A-Million Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble! More IEP help for you--at home or at school--📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff) 📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents ☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents 🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents 👩💻 Online Advocacy Training 🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question 🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
Transcribe →