126 episodes
Don't IEP Alone. Lisa Lightner
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- Education
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4.4 • 68 Ratings
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I attend IEP meetings for a living and you just can't compete with that level of crazy.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.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.
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Chatting with Nicole Santiago from Family ADDventures
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
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Gotcha
Welcome, everyone! I'm Lisa Lightner, and I'm thrilled to bring you another episode of "Don't IEP Alone." Whether you're tuning in on YouTube or on different podcast platforms, or catching up with me on LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram, I'm glad you're here. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode.
I want to delve into the concept of "gotcha." Four specific situations have recently come up where parents felt they had the upper hand, armed with what they believed were game-changing pieces of information. But does a gotcha moment really work in the world of IEPs?
To clarify, a gotcha is like saying, "I've got you" to surprise or frighten someone, indicating an advantage. I've encountered parents who believe they've caught their IEP team in a gotcha moment, armed with information that should lead to positive changes. However, it's crucial to understand why this approach often falls short.
Parents, understandably frustrated and feeling extra pressure in the current climate, bring forth information they believe will change the game. But having a gotcha doesn't necessarily result in the outcomes parents hope for.
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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IEP Toolkit for Parents and IEP Teacher Toolkit
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Parents are the IEP Police
Welcome to "Don't IEP Alone" with your host, Lisa Lightner. If you're navigating the world of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and special education, this podcast is your go-to resource.
In this episode, Lisa delves into the intriguing concept of parents as the IEP police. Drawing from her own experiences as a former special education compliance monitor in Pennsylvania, she unveils the inner workings of the compliance monitoring process and sheds light on the limitations it presents.
As Lisa passionately shares her insights, she reveals the disconnect between the administrative checkboxes of compliance monitoring and the actual substance of education. The podcast explores the challenges faced by parents, highlighting the critical role they play in advocating for their children's meaningful progress within the IEP system.
From the intricacies of compliance audits to the lack of focus on outcomes and meaningful participation, Lisa challenges the status quo and calls on parents nationwide to become proactive advocates. She emphasizes the need for collective understanding and action to bring about much-needed change in special education.
With a blend of personal anecdotes, expert interviews, and practical advice, "Don't IEP Alone" is more than a podcast—it's a community for parents navigating the complexities of the special education system. Join Lisa as she empowers parents to be informed, engaged, and proactive advocates for their children's education and future. Tune in and be part of the movement to reshape the narrative around IEPs and 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!
Support the showMore IEP Help for You
IEP Toolkit for Parents and IEP Teacher Toolkit
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Social Skills
Welcome back to another episode of "Don't IEP Alone." I'm your host, Lisa Lightner, a special education advocate based near Philadelphia.
In today's episode, we're diving into the world of social skills, just in time for the upcoming Thanksgiving festivities. As we gear up for the holiday season, it's essential to recognize that our children, especially those with ADHD, intellectual disabilities, or autism, may not always exhibit traditional social skills.
Join me as we navigate through the changing landscape of social expectations. In a world that's constantly evolving, our approach to social skills also needs to adapt. Remember that what may have been considered a social faux pas in the past may simply be a different way of engaging with others.
I share insights into the challenges our kids face, from difficulties with eye contact to the nuances of reciprocal conversations. Drawing from personal experiences and anecdotes, we explore the importance of accepting and celebrating differences, not just preaching the idea of "different, not less."
Let's make this holiday season a time for connection, understanding, and embracing the uniqueness of every individual.
Tune in, and I'll catch you in the next episode of "Don't IEP 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!
Support the showMore IEP Help for You
IEP Toolkit for Parents and IEP Teacher Toolkit
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No Meet Addendum
Welcome back to another episode of Don't IEP Alone. I'm Lisa Lightner, your host, and in today's episode, we dive into the important topic "No-Meet Addendum".
In this episode, I encourage parents to consider the no-meet addendum for manageable changes, emphasizing its efficiency and time-saving benefits. I recently used it for a transportation tweak and even when my son was temporarily without a nurse.
So, as we approach the holiday rush, remember, that a no-meet addendum can be your ally for streamlining the IEP process. Check out my blog post on the topic for more details. And with that, I'll keep it short and sweet. I wish you all a thankful and peaceful week ahead, filled with joy and perhaps some ribs and mac and cheese, as my family and I celebrate together. Take care, and remember, you don't have to navigate the IEP journey alone.
Read instead of listen: https://adayinourshoes.com/no-meet-iep-addendum/
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9Duzf6GUuWM
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 showMore IEP Help for You
IEP Toolkit for Parents and IEP Teacher Toolkit
Online Training Options
Search 650+ Articles
Get a free IEP Organizer
Get Your IEP Questions answered by an advocate -
Let's Talk About Behavior (Part 2)
Welcome to another episode of Don't IEP Alone podcast! This episode is the Part 2 of "Let's Talk About Behavior".
Children with autism and other learning disabilities often struggle with negative behaviors. These behaviors are often a result of the child's lack of skills or sensory experiences. Behavior plans are often used to address these behaviors. However, behavior plans should not be used to punish or reward a child for a skill set or a sensory experience. Instead, behavior plans should be focused on addressing the underlying cause of the behavior.
Parents should learn their rights in the process and use them to help their children. It is also important to engage the child to the maximum extent possible so that they can understand why they are doing the behavior.
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 showMore IEP Help for You
IEP Toolkit for Parents and IEP Teacher Toolkit
Online Training Options
Search 650+ Articles
Get a free IEP Organizer
Get Your IEP Questions answered by an advocate
Customer Reviews
Excellent, great information
I love this podcast, Lisa is very knowledgeable and honest. She admits when she’s wrong and does her makes an effort to listen to the prospective of disabled adults.
Three things:
1. I applied to the Facebook group and never got accepted.
2. ABA is ableist and leads to extreme trauma and often PTSD. It is also cure/fix based in approach.
3. Autistic and “person with autism” are not equivalent. Person with autism is seen as dehumanizing by many autistic people.
Lisa is amazing - a blessing!! Thank you!
I really want to leave a detailed review but I will come back and edit this. 5 stars isn’t enough!! Join the Facebook group, like and follow the page and start reading the blog!! Everything is so helpful!! You are your child’s best advocate and Lisa teaches you exactly how to be the best one possible!! She answers questions, she is constantly updating info. I honestly don’t know how she finds enough time in a day.
I’m a mom of 3, one is in first grade with ADHD and other diagnosis and an IEP. I am constantly spending any free time I have educating myself and it’s still not enough. Now I get to listen in the car too!!!
Thank you so much!
So good!!!
As a parent of children with special needs, this podcast is a breath of fresh air and helps remind me that we are not doing this alone! The IEP/504 process is so hard and this podcast equips you with the information you need to put your best foot forward for advocating for your child with the school systems. If you aren't listening to this podcast and you are going through the IEP/504 process....do yourself a favor and subscribe today!