Don't IEP Alone.

Lisa Lightner
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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,  Books-A-Million Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble! 

  1. 3d ago

    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 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 Lisa Lightner greets new and returning listeners 00:01Brief mention of podcast hiatuses and evergreen episodes 00:13Reference to the "February freak out" experienced by parents and advocates 00:202. Back-to-School Transition for IEP Parents Personal anecdote about shopping for back-to-school with her son 01:29Discussion about not having the luxury to delay back-to-school planning as an IEP parent 02:29Emphasizing the need to prepare before school starts to avoid children being left behind 02:353. How to Read an IEP Effectively Announcement of a new "How to Read an IEP" PDF, blog post, and YouTube video available in show notes 02:59Explanation of the common mistake: reading IEPs cover to cover instead of by issue 03:32Introduction of a new method: track specific issues (e.g., executive functioning) throughout the IEP 04:00Encouragement to focus on 1 or 2 main concerns for the new school year 04:49Mention of IEP progress monitoring—caution not to wait until report cards (often as late as Thanksgiving) to check progress 05:114. Self-Assessment and Reassurance for Parents Encouragement to focus on progress, even small, rather than stress 05:52Reassurance that listening to the podcast means parents are ahead of the game 06:22Observation that most IEPs have bright spots, not just problems, based on Lisa Lightner's IEP record reviews 06:52Invitation to email Lisa Lightner for support if things feel dire 07:34Reminders for parents to take deep breaths and acknowledge their prior experience 07:38Welcoming both new and returning IEP parents 07:475. Patience with IEP Related Services at Start of School Year Encouragement not to panic about missed related services in the first weeks (e.g., OT, speech) 08:12Explanation that scheduling and caseloads are often still being settled in the first week or two 08:49Suggestion that IEPs are often written to account for start/end of year disruptions 09:05Importance of perspective: missing a couple of sessions likely won’t affect long-term success 09:33Practical advice for documentation and following up if no contact after two weeks 09:546. Closing Remarks Reminder to document ongoing issues for patterns 10:04Goodbye and encouragement to tune in again 10:15 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

  2. Feb 13

    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 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 show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book)Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review

  3. Jan 28

    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

  4. Jan 13

    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 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/ADayInOurShoesIEP Instagram: @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 show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book)Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review

  5. Jan 7

    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, 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/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! Support the show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book)Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review

  6. Jan 6

    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 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/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! Support the show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book)Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review

  7. 12/02/2025

    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: 👉    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 show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book)Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review

  8. 11/19/2025

    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 Monitoring: https://adayinourshoes.com/how-to-monitor-iep-progress-for-parents/ 🎯 Free IEP Goal Tracker: https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-goal-tracker/   Facebook.com/ADayInOurShoesIEP Instagram: @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 show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book)Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review

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4.4
out of 5
72 Ratings

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 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,  Books-A-Million Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble! 

Information

  • Creator
    Lisa Lightner
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    201
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Don't IEP Alone.
  • Show Website
    Don't IEP Alone.

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