Don't IEP Alone. – Details, episodes & analysis
Podcast details
Technical and general information from the podcast's RSS feed.

Don't IEP Alone.
Lisa Lightner
Frequency: 1 episode/13d. Total Eps: 201

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,
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Apple Podcasts
No recent rankings available
Spotify
No recent rankings available
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
See allRSS feed quality and score
Technical evaluation of the podcast's RSS feed quality and structure.
See allScore global : 43%
Publication history
Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.
Why "Gotcha!" is not an effective advocacy strategy.
vendredi 13 février 2026 • Duration 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!
Other ways I can help you with IEPs:
What's the Most Imporant Part of the IEP?
Season 1 · Episode 2
mercredi 28 janvier 2026 • Duration 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?
Other ways I can help you with IEPs:
As Jerry Springer would say-- take care of yourselves, and each other.
mercredi 22 octobre 2025 • Duration 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!
Other ways I can help you with IEPs:
Empowering Young Entrepreneurs: Rachel Solomon's Success Story
Season 3 · Episode 23
mardi 30 janvier 2024 • Duration 19:16
In this episode of "Don't IEP Alone," host Lisa Lightner speaks with Rachel Solomon, a young entrepreneur from Massachusetts with cerebral palsy. Rachel shares her inspiring journey of independence and her winning idea for a business called Quick Change. Her idea addresses the challenges of obtaining and maintaining medical equipment, like walkers, through a subscription-based service.
Rachel discusses her experience with the NFFTY entrepreneur contest, her plans for the future of Quick Change, and her aspirations to study child life psychology in college. Rachel's passion for making a positive impact shines through as she encourages other aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams. Tune in to hear Rachel's remarkable story and find inspiration to pursue your own entrepreneurial endeavors.
To learn more about NFTE, visit nfte.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!
Other ways I can help you with IEPs:
Empowering Parents: Understanding IEPs and Securing Support for Disabled Children with Kelley Coleman Part 2
Season 3 · Episode 21
jeudi 25 janvier 2024 • Duration 28:07
Welcome back to "Don't IEP Alone," with Lisa Lightner where we provide support and guidance for parents navigating the complex world of Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and special needs advocacy. In today's episode, we hear from Kelley Coleman, a parent, advocate, and author who shares her personal experiences and expertise in parenting a disabled child.
Kelley's insights shed light on the challenges of obtaining support and services for disabled children, and she emphasizes the importance of not navigating these challenges alone. Alongside another knowledgeable speaker, we delve into the intricacies of IEPs, the necessity for parental involvement, and the importance of seeking understanding and guidance in this journey.
Stay tuned as we explore the critical aspects of IEP meetings and disability advocacy, providing valuable insights and support for parents facing similar challenges.
Visit Kelley's Website: https://www.kelleycoleman.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!
Other ways I can help you with IEPs:
Empowering Parents: Understanding IEPs and Securing Support for Disabled Children with Kelley Coleman Part 1
Season 3 · Episode 21
mardi 23 janvier 2024 • Duration 26:57
Welcome back to "Don't IEP Alone," with Lisa Lightner where we provide support and guidance for parents navigating the complex world of Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings and special needs advocacy. In today's episode, we hear from Kelley Coleman, a parent, advocate, and author who shares her personal experiences and expertise in parenting a disabled child.
Kelley's insights shed light on the challenges of obtaining support and services for disabled children, and she emphasizes the importance of not navigating these challenges alone. Alongside another knowledgeable speaker, we delve into the intricacies of IEPs, the necessity for parental involvement, and the importance of seeking understanding and guidance in this journey.
Stay tuned as we explore the critical aspects of IEP meetings and disability advocacy, providing valuable insights and support for parents facing similar challenges.
Visit Kelley's Website: https://www.kelleycoleman.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!
Other ways I can help you with IEPs:
The Power of Connection: Supporting Children with Social and Emotional Needs with Maria Slavin Part 2
Season 3 · Episode 20
jeudi 18 janvier 2024 • Duration 17:29
Welcome back to Don't IEP Alone! In today's episode, we have Maria Slavin, the Founder of In-Sync and Social, LLC, and Exceptional Moms Coaching, with over 20 years of experience in occupational therapy. As a trusted clinical and educational consultant in the Philadelphia area, Maria specializes in social-emotional learning and self-regulation, offering a combined sensory and behavioral approach through her private practice. A certified life and executive coach, Maria is dedicated to helping individuals of all ages and abilities develop emotional intelligence and thrive in meaningful relationships at home, work, and in the community.
We delve into the world of social-emotional learning and the challenges and triumphs of parenting children with diverse needs. Maria and I share our expertise and personal experiences, discussing the importance of nurturing emotional intelligence in children, the struggles faced by parents and children with ADHD and autism, and the necessity of meaningful connections for children who struggle socially.
We offer practical advice on supporting children's social and emotional development and navigating the complexities of parenting, all while emphasizing the vital role of co-regulation and self-regulation in creating a positive, encouraging environment for children.
Join us as we explore the nuances of social-emotional learning and the impactful strategies for supporting children with diverse needs in educational and social settings.
You can find Maria on:
Website: https://insyncandsocial.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-slavin-6b254427
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insyncandsocial/
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!
Other ways I can help you with IEPs:
The Power of Connection: Supporting Children with Social and Emotional Needs with Maria Slavin Part 1
Season 3 · Episode 19
mardi 16 janvier 2024 • Duration 26:17
Welcome back to Don't IEP Alone! In today's episode, we have Maria Slavin, the Founder of In-Sync and Social, LLC, and Exceptional Moms Coaching, with over 20 years of experience in occupational therapy. As a trusted clinical and educational consultant in the Philadelphia area, Maria specializes in social-emotional learning and self-regulation, offering a combined sensory and behavioral approach through her private practice. A certified life and executive coach, Maria is dedicated to helping individuals of all ages and abilities develop emotional intelligence and thrive in meaningful relationships at home, work, and in the community.
We delve into the world of social-emotional learning and the challenges and triumphs of parenting children with diverse needs. Maria and I share our expertise and personal experiences, discussing the importance of nurturing emotional intelligence in children, the struggles faced by parents and children with ADHD and autism, and the necessity of meaningful connections for children who struggle socially.
We offer practical advice on supporting children's social and emotional development and navigating the complexities of parenting, all while emphasizing the vital role of co-regulation and self-regulation in creating a positive, encouraging environment for children.
Join us as we explore the nuances of social-emotional learning and the impactful strategies for supporting children with diverse needs in educational and social settings.
You can find Maria on:
Website: https://insyncandsocial.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-slavin-6b254427
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insyncandsocial/
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!
Other ways I can help you with IEPs:
Chasing the Intact Mind with Dr. Amy S.F. Lutz
Season 3 · Episode 18
mardi 9 janvier 2024 • Duration 53:21
In this episode of "Don't IEP Alone," host Lisa Lightner and special guest Dr. Amy S.F. Lutz delve into the complexities of advocating for individuals with severe autism and other disabilities. They share personal experiences, discuss challenges with terminology and language, and highlight the difficulties faced by families in navigating service models and regulations.
The conversation also addresses the need for policymakers to understand and address the unique challenges of profoundly affected individuals and their families. Join us as we explore the intersection of advocacy, language, and navigating the systems to provide the best support for individuals with disabilities.
Links to resources mentioned in podcast:
website: http://www.amysflutz.com/
Book: https://amzn.to/3t9SmuD
National Council on Severe Autism: https://www.facebook.com/ncsautism
https://www.ncsautism.org/
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!
Other ways I can help you with IEPs:
Chatting with Nicole Santiago from Family ADDventures
Season 3
jeudi 7 décembre 2023 • Duration 26:22
Welcome to another empowering episode of the "Don't IEP Alone" podcast! I'm your host, Lisa Lightner, and today, I am thrilled to have a special guest, Nicole Santiago, from Family Adventures. Nicole shares her incredible journey, transitioning from a dedicated Spanish teacher to becoming an advocate for children with diverse learning needs, driven by personal experiences with her own three children, each facing unique challenges.
In this episode, we delve into Nicole's inspiring advocacy work, from her experiences in the education system to her unexpected role in training the San Antonio Police Department on understanding and responding to individuals with neurodivergent needs. Nicole's commitment to breaking down barriers and keeping children out of the school-to-prison pipeline is truly commendable.
We also explore her involvement in supporting a family facing challenges with their church, highlighting the ongoing struggle for inclusivity and understanding within religious communities. Nicole's insights into the complexities of advocating for neurodivergent individuals offer valuable lessons for listeners passionate about making a positive impact.
Tune in, connect with Nicole:
https://familyaddventures.com/
https://twitter.com/famADDventures
https://www.facebook.com/familyADDventures
https://www.instagram.com/familyaddventures/
If you've ever wondered about stepping into advocacy or are seeking inspiration for your journey, this episode is a must-listen. Remember, you don't have to navigate the world of IEPs alone!
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!
Other ways I can help you with IEPs:









