Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Don't IEP Alone.
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who Decides When an IEP Support Is Needed? | 30 sept. 2026 | 00:11:52 | |
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!
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| Placement Should Follow the IEP, Not Define It | 23 sept. 2026 | 00:10:50 | |
More on: 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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| Least Restrictive Environment Isn’t Always General Education | 16 sept. 2026 | 00:14:06 | |
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 to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time!
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| Training Parents to Ask Better IEP Questions | 15 sept. 2026 | 00:13:38 | |
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!
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| When Advocacy Isn’t Changing Your Child’s IEP | 09 sept. 2026 | 00:11:33 | |
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 apply those rights, use documentation and data, and move an IEP team toward yes. At 03:25, Lisa Lightner explains why her four-step advocacy strategy focuses on applying the law, not simply learning it. She also addresses the difference between being assertive and being confrontational, and why speaking up at meetings may not change an IEP without the right paper trail. For overwhelmed parents, the goal is less guessing and less busywork, with a defined process that can be used across disabilities. Sign up today or learn more about 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!
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| Building IEP Advocacy Momentum Without Feeling Overwhelmed | 02 sept. 2026 | 00:10:48 | |
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 emerged is that advocacy doesn’t require one dramatic meeting or hours of research. It can look like following up on a disappointing test, documenting the support needed to finish homework, reading school updates, or sending one thoughtful email 04:31. These small actions build a record, create momentum, and make the IEP process easier to manage over time. As the episode puts it, advocacy is “a bunch of tiny little things,” things that add up 07:07. 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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| Responding to No at IEP Meetings: Questions Every Parent Should Ask | 26 août 2026 | 00:08:37 | |
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 Lightner opens up about her early fears of rejection and how hearing "no" has become just another data point in her advocacy journey. She shares concrete strategies for handling those automatic refusals from school teams, including exactly what questions to ask, how to document responses, and ways to keep the conversation moving toward what's best for your child—no matter how many obstacles you face. Stay tuned for practical advice, scripts for your next meeting, and tips to challenge the "culture of no" so your child gets the services they deserve. 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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| Breaking the Myth: IEP Meetings Aren’t Where Success Happens | 19 août 2026 | 00:09:46 | |
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 from her years of experience, Lisa Lightner explains why the real work—and true advocacy power—happens before and around the IEP meeting itself. With practical tips, honest insights, and a fresh perspective, she reveals how advance preparation, clear communication, and data-driven groundwork are what truly shape successful outcomes for your child. Whether you’re dreading your next IEP meeting or seeking to strengthen your advocacy skills, this episode offers valuable guidance to transform how you approach the IEP process. 00:00 Parents' anxiety about IEP meetings 03:07 Preparing for IEP meetings 07:37 Tips for Successful 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!
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| A Parent’s Guide to Back to School IEP Readiness | 13 août 2026 | 00:11:30 | |
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 child’s IEP. Whether your summer break is winding down or you’re already prepping backpacks, Lisa Lightner offers practical advice to help ease your worries, focus on what you can control, and move into the new school year feeling confident and empowered. Plus, she tackles common concerns about related services and reminds you—you’re doing better than you think! 1. Introduction and Welcome
2. Back-to-School Transition for IEP Parents
3. How to Read an IEP Effectively
4. Self-Assessment and Reassurance for Parents
5. Patience with IEP Related Services at Start of School Year
6. Closing Remarks
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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| Why "Gotcha!" is not an effective advocacy strategy. | 13 févr. 2026 | 00:12:18 | |
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 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!
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| What's the Most Imporant Part of the IEP? | 28 janv. 2026 | 00:06:44 | |
If you have limited time and just want to know what to focus on quickly, which section of the IEP is the most important?
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| Avoiding the February IEP Freakout: Proactive Tips for Parents | 13 janv. 2026 | 00:14:48 | |
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 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!
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/ADayInOurShoesIEP 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!
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| Navigating Family Boundaries: Grief, Politics, and Advocacy | 07 janv. 2026 | 00:28:41 | |
🔴 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/ADayInOurShoesIEP 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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| New Year, Fresh IEP Data: How to Track Progress and Advocate Effectively | 06 janv. 2026 | 00:14:48 | |
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 resources to start your year empowered!
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/ADayInOurShoesIEP Instagram: @DontIEPalone 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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| They Used a REED to Skip Testing? Yeah, Let’s Talk About That… | 02 déc. 2025 | 00:10:20 | |
🔴 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!
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| They Don’t Have to Train You...Unless You Ask. 🙄 | 19 nov. 2025 | 00:09:20 | |
No, the School Isn’t Going to Offer Training (Unless You Demand It)
🚀 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/ADayInOurShoesIEP 🧑🏼🤝🧑🏼 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!
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| The School Suspended Your Child. Now What? | 18 nov. 2025 | 00:12:55 | |
How to Prepare for an IEP Manifestation Determination Hearing at School.
🚀 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/ADayInOurShoesIEP https://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!
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| What am I doing differently as an advocate right now? Lemme tell you... | 04 nov. 2025 | 00:22:59 | |
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!
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| 12 Tips for Special Education Parent-Teacher Conferences | 28 oct. 2025 | 00:39:31 | |
Welcome to "Don't IEP Alone," the podcast that provides support and guidance for parents navigating the world of Individualized Education Programs. 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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| As Jerry Springer would say-- take care of yourselves, and each other. | 22 oct. 2025 | 00:15:38 | |
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!
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| ADHD Month means Executive Functioning Chats | 15 oct. 2025 | 00:13:23 | |
Executive functioning-- always a popular topic.
🚀 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/ADayInOurShoesIEP https://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!
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| OSEP and OSERS Staff Elimination | 14 oct. 2025 | 00:20:51 | |
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 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/ADayInOurShoesIEP https://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!
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| Buzzword: Trust Recession | 07 oct. 2025 | 00:19:44 | |
Going off topic for a moment... but trust matters!
🚀 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/ADayInOurShoesIEP https://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!
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| What is Explicit Instruction? | 17 sept. 2025 | 00:12:26 | |
Mentioned in Episode: 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 Advocate Thank you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time!
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| Is This Podcast Working? Reflections on Content, Format, and Listener Feedback | 10 sept. 2025 | 00:16:37 | |
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 the show, including her "5 Minutes to FAPE" experiment (and why it ended up in the digital trash bin), and reflects on the art of finding engaging content without falling into the trap of endless, one-sided rambling. Lisa also drops timely advice for the new school year, including tips on getting organized and making the IEP process more manageable for parents. It’s an honest, relatable look at both the challenges of advocacy and the reality of being a one-woman podcast team, plus a friendly invitation to share your suggestions for future episodes! 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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| Most important part of an IEP. | 04 sept. 2025 | 00:06:51 | |
If your Present Levels are wrong, everything else in the IEP will fall like dominoes. 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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| Have you been asked to come pick up your child at school? | 03 sept. 2025 | 00:08:10 | |
The Secret Suspension Problem: a MUST WATCH if the school is constantly calling you to come get your kid at school. 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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| Can you show me where it says..... | 02 sept. 2025 | 00:05:42 | |
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. 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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| Good news, bad news. | 13 août 2025 | 00:10:32 | |
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!
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| Don’t IEP Alone: Essential Advocacy Tips for Today’s Unstable Education Landscape | 12 août 2025 | 00:14:23 | |
Parents, get your free IEP binder: https://adayinourshoes.com/free-iep-binder/ Welcome back to Don't IEP Alone with your host, Lisa Lightner. In this episode, Lisa dives into the rapidly changing landscape of special education and the overwhelming wave of recent changes in the Department of Education. She unpacks the intentional chaos designed to wear families thin, from high-profile firings—especially in the Office for Civil Rights—to the ongoing debate about "returning education to the states." Lisa shares practical advice for navigating this uncertainty, including the importance of understanding your state's regulations, building supportive relationships with school and community teams, staying vigilant with IEP progress monitoring, and creatively seeking out additional resources for your child. Whether you're feeling discouraged by national developments or just looking for concrete steps to better support your family, Lisa offers perspective, advocacy tips, and a reminder that you’re not alone. Tune in and get equipped for the road ahead! 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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| Good News and Bad News: Navigating What to Request at Your IEP Meeting | 05 août 2025 | 00:10:14 | |
Parents, get your free IEP binder: https://adayinourshoes.com/free-iep-binder/ 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: "What can I ask for on my IEP?" Drawing from over 15 years of advocacy experience, Lisa breaks down the good news—and the bad news—about IEP requests. She explains why there's no one-size-fits-all list of options, and instead emphasizes the importance of becoming an expert in your child's unique needs. Lisa shares practical tips for finding ideas, advocating effectively with data and documentation, and pushing past the initial "no" you might hear from your team. Whether you're stepping into your first IEP meeting or looking for fresh strategies, this episode is filled with honest guidance and encouragement. Tune in and get empowered to ask for what your child truly needs! 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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| Sustained Advocacy: The Real Secret Behind IEP Progress | 29 juil. 2025 | 00:10:11 | |
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 shares practical advice and encouragement for families working through IEP meetings and advocacy efforts. Lisa’s mission is to help parents feel supported, reminding them they are not failures if results take time and that their persistence truly matters. 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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| From Phone Calls to Handwritten Letters: Tips to Make Legislators Listen on Issues | 16 juil. 2025 | 00:09:59 | |
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, 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!
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| Reviving Parent Groups: The Old and New of Special Ed Advocacy | 15 juil. 2025 | 00:14:24 | |
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 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!
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| Medical Records and the IEP | 10 juil. 2025 | 00:22:28 | |
The school has asked for access to your child's medical records. Now what?
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| Is ESY starting this week? And, yeah, the Medicaid thing. | 09 juil. 2025 | 00:09:45 | |
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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| Our advocacy is not enough. | 08 juil. 2025 | 00:10:04 | |
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!
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| IEE-Independent Education Evaluations | 02 juil. 2025 | 00:21:49 | |
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.
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| Should you hire an IEP Advocate? | 01 juil. 2025 | 00:18:47 | |
Hiring an IEP advocate or Special Education Advocate is a tough decision. Here are some things to consider before you take the plunge.
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| A 13th and 14th year? | 25 juin 2025 | 00:22:10 | |
Students with IEPs can continue in public schools until ages 19 or even 25. But should they? And who decides?
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| 🚨 Medicaid Cuts, Advocacy, and Why We Can’t Stay Silent 🚨 | 24 juin 2025 | 00:17:39 | |
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: Our 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!
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| Do this now. Thank me later. | 10 juin 2025 | 00:06:42 | |
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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| From Entitlement to Eligibility: The Wake-Up Call Special Needs Parents Usually Aren't Expecting. | 04 juin 2025 | 00:15:11 | |
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 Thank you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time!
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| One last bit of ESY advice before summer starts | 03 juin 2025 | 00:06:36 | |
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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| You'd know if your child was having seizures, right? Maybe not! | 27 mai 2025 | 00:20:30 | |
Did you know that 1/3 of all kids with autism develop seizures?
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| Congress Meets at 1 AM--what are they hiding? | 21 mai 2025 | 00:11:33 | |
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!
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| Atlantic City Observations: Why Early Support for Kids With IEPs Matters | 20 mai 2025 | 00:21:19 | |
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 health, addiction, and the consequences of societal neglect. Drawing from her years of advocacy and firsthand stories from clients, Lisa explores the troubling connections between learning disabilities, lack of support, and the increased risks of addiction and incarceration. She poses a heartfelt question—"Who failed you?"—as she considers the people society often overlooks and urges listeners to recognize the critical importance of early intervention and meaningful support. With a blend of real-world observation and compassionate insight, Lisa calls on parents and advocates to fight harder for these vulnerable children, reminding us that we must refuse to accept bleak outcomes for kids with special needs. Tune in for a candid conversation that is sure to inspire action and empathy. 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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| From ESY Struggles to Graduation Emotions: Holding Space for Special Needs Parents | 13 mai 2025 | 00:17:11 | |
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 and heartfelt episode, Lisa shares her personal experiences as a special needs parent, reflecting on making choices about ESY programs, the emotional nuances of milestones like graduation, and the unique challenges faced by families with disabled or neurodiverse children. Lisa also addresses some of the current divisions within the autism and disability communities, emphasizing the need for real advocacy over social media arguments, and shares updates on valuable resources like her free life skills virtual camp, upcoming webinars, and new toolkit mini-courses for both parents and teachers. Whether you’re figuring out summer plans or feeling the weight of this season, Lisa reminds us that you’re not alone, offering encouragement, practical tips, and a dose of solidarity for everyone in this space. 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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| Breaking Down RFK, Dr. Oz, Executive Orders, and the Supreme Court: Big IEP Headlines Explained | 06 mai 2025 | 00:22:36 | |
Don't miss: https://adayinourshoes.com/book/ Welcome back to “Don’t IEP Alone” with Lisa Lightner, your go-to podcast for all things IEPs and special education advocacy. In today’s episode, Lisa dives into a whirlwind week packed with high-profile statements, policy updates, and a Supreme Court case that could have far-reaching implications for families of children with disabilities. Lisa breaks down the controversial comments made by RFK Jr. about autistic individuals, reacts to Dr. Oz’s take on public health, and explains what a new executive order on school discipline could mean for your child. She also sheds light on an important Supreme Court case involving IEP disputes, examining what’s really at stake for families seeking justice and effective support. Tune in as Lisa untangles this busy week in advocacy, offers practical advice on taking action, and shares some personal updates—including exciting news about her book. As always, it’s the candid, straight-shooting conversation you can count on to help you navigate the often-complex world of special education. 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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| Challenging Stigma: Autism, Family Life, and Confronting Harmful Narratives | 30 avr. 2025 | 00:17:36 | |
Welcome back to Don’t IEP Alone, your go-to podcast for real talk about IEPs, advocacy, and navigating the world of special education. I’m your host, Lisa Lightner, and in today’s episode, I’m catching you up on some big updates—like the release of my very first book coming out this October (and yes, you can already pre-order it!). I dig into what it’s really like working as an advocate, juggling income streams, and balancing all the “have-tos” that come with parenting and supporting kids with disabilities. 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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