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PODCAST · education

Don't IEP Alone.

by Lisa Lightner

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 <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Your-IEP-Playbook-Confident-Advocacy/

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Episodes

  1. ChatGPT, Privacy, and the High Stakes of IEP Decisions

    In this episode of Don’t IEP Alone, Lisa Lightner clears up what she means when she criticizes generative AI and ChatGPT. She explains why concerns about privacy, content theft, environmental costs, and inaccurate information matter to families navigating IEPs. Lisa Lightner also challenges the...

  2. Why I Don’t Ask for FBAs Anymore.

    When a child’s behavior increases, the usual response is often to revisit the FBA or behavior plan. But Lisa Lightner argues that teams should first step back and examine the IEP itself. Are all of the child’s needs being met? Are evaluations missing something? Is the IEP being implemented with...

  3. Who Decides When an IEP Support Is Needed?

    Related: What Can I Ask for on an IEP? And How do I Get the Team to Agree? Schedule a consult for personalized assistance. 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 Other ways I…

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  4. Placement Should Follow the IEP, Not Define It

    More on: How IEP Placement Works How to Get an Out of District Placement on your IEP Today is last day for registration for Don't IEP Alone Academy. 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!…

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  5. Least Restrictive Environment Isn’t Always General Education

    More information about LRE and a graphic of the LRE continuum: Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) in IEPs: Placement Must Be Based on Progress, Not Labels. Registration is OPEN NOW for Don't IEP Alone Academy. Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate Thank you for listening...

  6. Training Parents to Ask Better IEP Questions

    Registration is open now for a limited time. More information here: Special Education Advocacy Training 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 Other ways I can help you with…

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  7. When Advocacy Isn’t Changing Your Child’s IEP

    Training Objections In this episode, Lisa Lightner tackles the objections parents often have about advocacy training: “I already speak up,” “I can find information online,” and “I don’t have time.” Her point is direct: knowing your child’s rights isn’t enough. Parents also need to know how to…

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  8. Building IEP Advocacy Momentum Without Feeling Overwhelmed

    Back-to-school season brings a familiar reminder: don’t wait for an IEP crisis to start paying attention. In this episode, the conversation explores why families shouldn’t wait until Thanksgiving to discover that services aren’t being delivered or progress isn’t happening 02:35. A key theme that...

  9. Responding to No at IEP Meetings: Questions Every Parent Should Ask

    Welcome to "Don't IEP Alone." I’m your host, Lisa Lightner, special education advocate. Get on the waitlist for my advocacy training. In today’s episode, we’re tackling one of the toughest parts of advocating for your child in IEP meetings: how to respond when the team tells you "no." Lisa…

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  10. Breaking the Myth: IEP Meetings Aren’t Where Success Happens

    Welcome to "Don't IEP Alone" with Lisa Lightner, your go-to source for special education advocacy and support. In this episode, Lisa Lightner challenges a common belief among parents and advocates: the idea that IEP meetings are the most important part of the special education process. Drawing…

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  11. A Parent’s Guide to Back to School IEP Readiness

    Welcome back to the Don't IEP Alone podcast! In this episode, Lisa Lightner dives into the realities of back-to-school season for parents navigating IEPs. She shares strategies to help you get organized before classes begin, including a game-changing new approach to reading and understanding your...

  12. Why "Gotcha!" is not an effective advocacy strategy.

    You 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...

  13. What's the Most Imporant Part of the IEP?

    If 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 show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for Training

  14. Avoiding the February IEP Freakout: Proactive Tips for Parents

    In 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...

  15. Navigating Family Boundaries: Grief, Politics, and Advocacy

    In 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,...

  16. New Year, Fresh IEP Data: How to Track Progress and Advocate Effectively

    In 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...

  17. They Used a REED to Skip Testing? Yeah, Let’s Talk About That…

    🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 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: 👉...

  18. They Don’t Have to Train You...Unless You Ask. 🙄

    No, 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...

  19. The School Suspended Your Child. Now What?

    How 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:...

  20. What am I doing differently as an advocate right now? Lemme tell you...

    Times 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 show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your…

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  21. 12 Tips for Special Education Parent-Teacher Conferences

    Welcome 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...

  22. As Jerry Springer would say-- take care of yourselves, and each other.

    When one door closes, another opens. 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 Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP...

  23. ADHD Month means Executive Functioning Chats

    Executive functioning-- always a popular topic. 🔴 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/ 🎯...

  24. OSEP and OSERS Staff Elimination

    Mentioned in Episode: OSERS Has Been Dismantled: What This Means for Disabled Adults and Their Families. OSEP Is Gone: What It Means for Your Child’s IEP and What Parents Must Do Now. 🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉https://dontiepalone.com/iep-progress/ 🚀 Sign Up for Special Education…

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  25. Buzzword: Trust Recession

    Going off topic for a moment... but trust matters! 🔴 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/...

  26. What is Explicit Instruction?

    Mentioned in Episode: What is Explicit Instruction? What is Specially Designed Instruction in Special Education? 50 Practical Instructional Strategies for Specially Designed Instruction in IEPs (examples) Special Education Advocacy Training Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education...

  27. Is This Podcast Working? Reflections on Content, Format, and Listener Feedback

    Welcome back to "Don't IEP Alone" with Lisa Lightner! In this candid episode, Lisa gets real about the behind-the-scenes struggles of podcasting, from wrestling with ADHD and perfectionism, to navigating technical hiccups and the pressure of social media. She shares her recent attempts to revamp...

  28. Most important part of an IEP.

    If your Present Levels are wrong, everything else in the IEP will fall like dominoes. Article mentioned in video: https://adayinourshoes.com/present-levels-iep/ IEP Toolkit for Parents: https://dontiepalone.com/my-parent-iep-toolkit/ Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate...

  29. Have you been asked to come pick up your child at school?

    The Secret Suspension Problem: a MUST WATCH if the school is constantly calling you to come get your kid at school. Resources mentioned in video: Behavior Info for Families: https://adayinourshoes.com/tag/behavior/ Behavior mini course:...

  30. Can you show me where it says.....

    IDEA is surprisingly non-specific about a lot of special education. Here's how to advocate when you're pretty sure you've been told something incorrect....but struggle to find proof. Get your free FAPE guide here: https://birdsend.page/forms/1628/IrX2XebqwQ Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner,...

  31. Good news, bad news.

    I'm getting a facelift! Ha, no, not me. The podcast. Details in this 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 Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP...

  32. Don’t IEP Alone: Essential Advocacy Tips for Today’s Unstable Education Landscape

    Parents, get your free IEP binder: https://adayinourshoes.com/free-iep-binder/ Get your free IEP goal tracker: https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-goal-tracker/ Welcome back to Don't IEP Alone with your host, Lisa Lightner. In this episode, Lisa dives into the rapidly changing landscape of special...

  33. Good News and Bad News: Navigating What to Request at Your IEP Meeting

    Parents, get your free IEP binder: https://adayinourshoes.com/free-iep-binder/ Get your free IEP goal tracker: https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-goal-tracker/ Welcome back to Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner! In today's episode, Lisa tackles one of the most common questions she gets from parents:...

  34. Sustained Advocacy: The Real Secret Behind IEP Progress

    Lisa Lightner is a dedicated advocate for parents navigating the IEP process. With her trusty mini desk fan by her side—an essential comfort for women of a certain age—Lisa brings warmth, humor, and understanding to her work. Through her podcast and social media reels, stories, and videos, she...

  35. From Phone Calls to Handwritten Letters: Tips to Make Legislators Listen on Issues

    Welcome 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,...

  36. Reviving Parent Groups: The Old and New of Special Ed Advocacy

    Welcome 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…

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  37. Medical Records and the IEP

    The 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 Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for...

  38. Is ESY starting this week? And, yeah, the Medicaid thing.

    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 Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for...

  39. Our advocacy is not enough.

    And 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 Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a...

  40. IEE-Independent Education Evaluations

    What 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 Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult...

  41. Should you hire an IEP Advocate?

    Hiring 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 Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for Training

  42. A 13th and 14th year?

    Students with IEPs can continue in public schools until ages 19 or even 25. But should they? And who decides? Support the show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for Training

  43. 🚨 Medicaid Cuts, Advocacy, and Why We Can’t Stay Silent 🚨

    A 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…

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  44. Do this now. Thank me later.

    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 Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for...

  45. From Entitlement to Eligibility: The Wake-Up Call Special Needs Parents Usually Aren't Expecting.

    From Entitlement to Eligibility: The Wake-Up Call Special Needs Parents Usually Aren't Expecting. It's important for parents, especially if your child has a lot of needs, that you understand this concept as you move to adult services. Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate...

  46. One last bit of ESY advice before summer starts

    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 Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for...

  47. You'd know if your child was having seizures, right? Maybe not!

    Did you know that 1/3 of all kids with autism develop seizures? I've got a lot of mom guilt and "shoulda, coulda, woulda" surrounding my son's seizure condition. Here's what to look for and where to get more information. What you need to know if your child is at risk for developing seizures. Read...

  48. Congress Meets at 1 AM--what are they hiding?

    The budget to cut Medicaid was discussed last night at 1 am. Details, thoughts, and action items. 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 Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚...

  49. Atlantic City Observations: Why Early Support for Kids With IEPs Matters

    Welcome to another episode of Don't IEP Alone with your host, Lisa Lightner. In today’s deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, Lisa reflects on a recent visit to Atlantic City and uses her experience walking its streets as a lens to examine larger issues surrounding disability, mental...

  50. From ESY Struggles to Graduation Emotions: Holding Space for Special Needs Parents

    Get the book: https://adayinourshoes.com/book/ Welcome back to Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner! As we approach the end of the school year, Lisa dives into the home stretch with timely advice for families navigating IEPs, particularly around Extended School Year (ESY) services. In this candid…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

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 <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Your-IEP-Playbook-Confident-Advocacy/

HOSTED BY

Lisa Lightner

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Don't IEP Alone. have?

Don't IEP Alone. currently has 210 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Don't IEP Alone. about?

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...

How often does Don't IEP Alone. release new episodes?

Don't IEP Alone. publishes regularly with 210 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Don't IEP Alone.?

You can listen to Don't IEP Alone. on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Don't IEP Alone.?

Don't IEP Alone. is created and hosted by Lisa Lightner.
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