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
163 episodes
How to Advocate for IEPs Amid Political Shifts
Discussed in episode: The End of the Department of Education? What Parents and Teachers Need to Know NowThat link includes action items for parents and teachers...
•
22:17
Why Dismantling the Department of Education Actually Weakens State Rights
In today's episode of "Don't IEP Alone," host and special education advocate Lisa Lightner dives into a critical topic she's been passionate about for months—the truth behind the role of the United States Department of Education and the mislead...
•
17:50
Understanding GEPA: How Federal Overreach in Education Funding Violates a 50-Year-Old Law
Welcome to a brand new episode of "Don't IEP Alone" with your host, Lisa Lightner. Today, we're diving into a significant court case involving the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) from 1974 that the new administration recently lost. This...
•
10:43
The Parent Concerns Letter for your IEP
This is one of the most important parts of the IEP...so make it great.I'm offering tips on how to write your best EVER parent concerns lette...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 9
•
15:17
Why did they do that?
Why did {the school} do that? Why?Answering this age old question.
•
Season 1
•
Episode 8
•
19:13
🚨 Medicaid Cuts, Advocacy, and Why We Can’t Stay Silent 🚨
A bill just passed in the House that could mean big cuts to Medicaid—even though the word Medicaid isn’t in it. Sound sneaky? That’s because it is.In this episode, I’m breaking down:✅ What this bill actually ...
•
17:39
ESY-Extended School Year and IEPs
It's the time of year when you should be making plans for summer ESY. Here's what you need to know.
•
Season 1
•
Episode 6
•
14:21
Can I uninvite someone from my IEP meeting?
We've all been there--in an IEP meeting with that one difficult, ornery person. But can you uninvite them to the IEP meeting?
•
Season 1
•
Episode 5
•
9:02
504s are being overused.
A 504 was never intended to be an "IEP lite" but that is what is happening. What can you do if you're being pushed toward a 504 when you think they need an IEP?
•
Season 1
•
Episode 4
•
8:30
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?
•
Season 1
•
Episode 2
•
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...
•
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...
•
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...
•
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
•
Season 2020
•
Episode 4
•
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...
•
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...
•
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...
•
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...
•
Season 3
•
Episode 10
•
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...
•
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:
•
Season 3
•
Episode 22
•
25:18
How many IEP meetings is too many?
When parents request too many IEP meetings. Yes, that's a "thing" sometimes.
•
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...
•
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
•
14:30
