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.
📣 Exciting News! You can now preorder my book on Amazon, Books-A-Million, Bookshop.org or Barnes & Noble! 📣
📚 Bookshop.org has it on sale! 📚
Episodes
163 episodes
Can I ask for "this" on my IEP?
Parents ask me all the time, "Can I ask for this?" or "What about this?" So what can you ask for on an IEP? What are the limits?
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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11:16
How to Not Cry at your IEP Meeting
When you're crying during an IEP meeting, chances are you're not feeling strong and empowered.I'm sharing some great tips on how to not cry at your IEP meeting.
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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15:54
Adapting to Change: IEP and 504 Plans in a Shifting Landscape
Content mentioned in episode: IEP vs 504: What’s the Same? And Which is Better to Have?In this episode, Lisa addresses significant changes within the US Department ...
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22:06
Actually, it is brain surgery.
Would you like to have your IEP questions answered by a Special Education Advocate?You can email them to me at Lisa @ ADayInOurShoes.comPlus, an update on my son.
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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3:50
Stressed out about IEP meetings? Let's change that.
Honestly, I haven't stressed out about an IEP meeting in years. Years, I tell you!Here's why.
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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10:26
Who can I bring to my IEP Meeting?
Who attends an IEP Meeting? Who can you invite? Who should you invite?
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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11:39
Navigating Social Skills and IEP Challenges in Special Education
Links: 15 Evidence-Based Social Skills Interventions That Actually Work in IEPs101 Social Skill...
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18:54
Gawd I hate April.
Did you hear? It's Autism Awareness Month.Also read:Ableism: Why autism moms need to stop doing stuff like this.AND
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29:00
"What's the one piece of advice you have?"
I get asked this a lot. "What's one piece of advice that you have for parents?"Well, it's more than one thing, but I was able to pare it down into tangible tips.
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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13:01
It's April-ACL, flash sale and more
Thanks so much for tuning into my simple little podcast about IEPs. I promise to get it cleaned up and a regular content schedule--starting next week.Links to flash sale: https://adayinourshoes.org/advocacy-training-flash-sale...
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15:23
Let's Rethink Autism Advocacy: Beyond the Puzzle Piece Debate
Sorry, this episode cuts off abruptly for some reason, and I don't have time to re record it today.Links to flash sale: https://adayinourshoes.org/advocacy-training-flash-sale/Welcome back to "Don't IEP Alone" with your...
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7:52
Responding to RFK Jr's Plan to Eliminate the Administration for Community Living
Links to flash sale: https://adayinourshoes.org/advocacy-training-flash-sale/Link to advocacy action items: https://adayinourshoes.com/administration-for-community-living-acl/Welcome to a special Monday edition of the "...
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15:26
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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15:17
Why did they do that?
Why did {the school} do that? Why?Answering this age old question.
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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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 ...
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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.
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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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?
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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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?
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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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?
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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