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. 📣Preorder my book on Amazon, Books-A-Million Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble! 

  1. 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 my book

    7 min

  2. 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 my book

    15 min

  3. 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 The IEP process never gets easier. YOU get better.How? With specific action steps and training.Visit ADayInOurShoes.org for more information. 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 my book

    29 min

  4. 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 my book

    15 min

  5. 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 my book

    10 min

  6. 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 my book

    9 min

  7. 11/18/2025

    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: 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! Support the show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order my book

    13 min

  8. 11/04/2025

    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 my book

    23 min
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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. 📣Preorder my book on Amazon, Books-A-Million Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble! 

Information

  • Creator
    Lisa Lightner
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    200
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Don't IEP Alone.
  • Show Website
    Don't IEP Alone.

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