Don't IEP Alone.
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.
Episodes
154 episodes
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?
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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6:44
Why Public Education Isn't a Customer Service Model Explained
In this episode of Don't IEP Alone, host Lisa Lightner delves into the intricacies of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and the implications of public versus private education for children with special needs. Lisa provides a hi...
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20:25
Super Bowl Joy and Political Turmoil: A Balancing Act
Welcome to a special edition of Don't IEP Alone with your host, Lisa Lightner. In this episode, Lisa shares her insights and reflections ahead of the weekend's big event – the Super Bowl. As Philadelphia Eagles fans gear up for an exciting game...
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18:51
Understanding the Impact of Potential Changes to Department of Education on Special Needs
In this episode of "Don't IEP Alone," host Lisa Lightner welcomes back attorney Laura Hennigan to discuss the complex and ever-evolving landscape of special education and disability rights in the United States. They delve into the looming conce...
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45:48
IEP Data Collection
IEP Data Collection-What does it look like? Who does it?How to get Meaningful IEP Data | Examples | Collection | Sheets
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Season 2020
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Episode 4
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27:00
Breaking Down Barriers: Janice Lloyd Discusses Remediation and Support for Dyslexic Students
Janice Lloyd is an experienced teacher trainer, private school administrator, and small group instructor at The Highlands School in Bel Air, Maryland. She has extensive experience with Orton-Gillingham methodologies, structured literacy, and...
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26:23
Standing Up for Special Education Amidst Political Changes
Lisa Lightner is the insightful host of "Don't IEP Alone," a podcast offering support and guidance for navigating the complexities of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Known for her engaging storytelling and timely discussions, Lisa tac...
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18:02
How Federal Spending Freeze Affects Disabled Kids' Health Care
In today's episode of "Don't IEP Alone," host Lisa Lightner candidly addresses the urgent issues arising from the recent federal spending freeze initiated by the new administration and its impact on Medicaid. As Lisa navigates the compl...
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18:18
Bonus Episode: IEP Goal Banks and Parent-Teacher Conferences with an IEP
I'm talking about two things today--IEP Goal Banks and Parent Teacher Conferences when you have an IE...
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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21:50
Speaking Up for My Son's Needs Amid Controversial Autism Narratives
Welcome to another episode of Don't IEP Alone with your host, Lisa Lightner. In this thought-provoking installment, Lisa shares her personal journey navigating autism advocacy as the parent of a disabled child. With candor and determination, Li...
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27:54
Three Essential IEP Tasks for Parents Right Now
Mentioned in episode:Link to take training: https://adayinourshoes.org/iep-special-education-advocacy/Link to purchase toolkit:
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Season 3
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Episode 22
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25:18
How many IEP meetings is too many?
When parents request too many IEP meetings. Yes, that's a "thing" sometimes.
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22:38
Tough Love and IEPs: Why Change Starts with You
Navigating the Journey of IEPs: Ownership, Change, and AccountabilityWelcome to another episode of Don't IEP Alone with your host, Lisa Lightner. In today's candid discussion, Lisa addresses the challenges faced by IEP (Individualized E...
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20:13
Welcome to 2025!
Very brief episode, a little of this and that....and what to do right now for your IEP advocacy.Mentioned in podcast: Stepping Up for Disabled Kids
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14:30
Parents are the IEP Police
No excuses--why parents must engage in the IEP process. Because we are the IEP police!Read more: Parents, You are the IEP Police. Yes, you!
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Season 2020
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Episode 9
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23:22
Talking IEP Unilateral Placements with Attorney Steve Jacobson
Part 1 of 2, I'm interviewing Special Education Attorney Steve Jacobson. We talked about unilateral placements for Special Education, and how to tell when you might need a...
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Season 2020
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Episode 13
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42:51
The Emotional Disturbance Classification on IEPs
The Emotional Disturbance Classification--it's way overused and it's got to stop. Here's why classification matters, and what you can and should do about it.Read: Understanding the
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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9:53
Living with ADHD with Dr. Sarah Cheyette, Pediatric Neurologist
A pediatric neurologist talks with me about kids living with ADHD, the differences between boys and girls, medications and more. #ADHD #DontIEPaloneI have other similar resources on my site, so maybe you're looking for:
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Episode 22
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52:26
How to Write IEP Goals (and who writes them?)
An overview of how to write good IEP goals.For More Information + the templates I refer to in the podcast, visit:How to Write IEP GoalsMore
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Season 2020
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Episode 1
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35:02
What Lies Ahead for IDEA and ACA in 2025: A Conversation with Michael Gamel-McCormick
Welcome back to another episode of "Don't IEP Alone"! I'm your host, Lisa Lightner, and today we're diving into a topic that's been on the minds of many special needs parents: the potential dismantling of the Department of Education and the fut...
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29:40
Stepping Up for Disabled Kids: Announcing Our 2025 Action Plan
1. **New Weekly Episodes**: Lisa Lightner plans to release a new podcast episode every week starting in 2025.2. **Political Action Group**: Lisa has launched a new political action group called "Stepping Up for Disabled Kids."3. **Upcom...
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21:07
The Importance of Being Proactive in Your Child's IEP Process This Summer
In this episode of "Don't IEP Alone," host Lisa Lightner shares her insights on navigating the end of the school year and the importance of parental engagement in the IEP process. Lisa emphasizes the benefits of her online advocacy training and...
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14:41
IEP Process Flowchart: Understanding Timelines and Effective Advocacy Strategies
In this episode of "Don't IEP Alone," host Lisa Lightner delves into the intricacies of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. She discusses the importance of understanding the timelines and procedures outlined in the IEP flowchart...
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21:18
Red Flags in IEP and 504 Plans
In this episode of "Don't IEP Alone," special education advocate Lisa Lightner dives into the intricacies of IEPs and 504 plans, highlighting key red flags to watch out for in the process. From the misuse of 504 plans as an "IEP light" to langu...
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17:21
Autism Awareness: A Parent's Journey and Advocacy Efforts for Their Child's Needs
In this episode of "Don't IEP Alone," Lisa Lightner delves into the complexities and personal challenges of navigating autism awareness and advocacy. As a dedicated advocate and parent to a child with autism, Lisa shares her journey of supporti...
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29:16