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.
Don't IEP Alone.
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 historical overview of IDEA's origins, linking it to a significant Pennsylvania court case that laid the groundwork for the legislation.
She explores the ongoing challenges public schools face in providing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) due to financial constraints and the political push towards privatization. With a critical lens, Lisa discusses the concept of vouchers and charter schools, arguing against them as solutions for educational inequity. Instead, she advocates for strengthening public education funding to ensure all children, especially those with disabilities, receive the education they deserve.
Join Lisa as she unpacks these complex issues, highlighting the political nature of educational policies and their real-world impact on families navigating the IEP process.
Link to join training mentioned in episode: https://adayinourshoes.org/dont-iep-alone-academy-sale/
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:
📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets
📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents
☑️ IEP Meeting Preparation Kit
🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents
👩💻 Online Advocacy Training
🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question
🧰 IEP Teacher Toolkit