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Don't IEP Alone.

Don't IEP Alone.

By: Lisa Lightner
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About this listen

I attend IEP meetings for a living and you just can't compete with that level of crazy.This is the only podcast dedicated to helping parents navigate the IEP process.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.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.© 2023 Don't IEP Alone.
Episodes
  • Why "Gotcha!" is not an effective advocacy strategy.
    Feb 13 2026

    You can be right.

    You can even prove you’re right.

    That doesn’t mean you’ll get what your child needs.

    Read instead of listen: Why “Gotcha” Doesn’t Win IEP Meetings.

    related content: Is My Child Receiving FAPE? What It Actually Looks Like in Real Life.

    Take the online special education advocacy training (what DOES win IEP meetings!)

    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




    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • Avoiding the February IEP Freakout: Proactive Tips for Parents
    Jan 13 2026

    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




    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
  • Navigating Family Boundaries: Grief, Politics, and Advocacy
    Jan 7 2026


    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




    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
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