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!

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In this episode of Don't IEP Alone, host Lisa Lightner shares actionable tips for parents on IEP data collection after the holiday break. Learn how to track skills at home, compare school reports, and use documentation to advocate for your child’s needs. Plus, discover new IEP toolkits and resources to start your year empowered!

🔴 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

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

🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 Every question is answered by an advocate--Join A Community of Parents and Advocates who "get it": https://village.adayinourshoes.com 

🔴 IEP Transition Workshop Series:   adayinourshoes.com/iep-transition-workshops/  

🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Training: 👉    dontiepalone.com/online-special-education-...  

⚠️More on IEP Transition Planning:   adayinourshoes.com/iep-transition/  

🎯 Free IEP Binder for Parents:   adayinourshoes.com/free-iep-binder/  

Your IEP Playbook: https://adayinourshoes/book/

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!

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Other ways I can help you with IEPs:

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 No, the School Isn’t Going to Offer Training (Unless You Demand It) 

🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉https://dontiepalone.com/iep-progress/

🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Training: 👉  https://dontiepalone.com/online-special-education-advocacy-training/

⚠️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/

 

Facebook.com/ADayInOurShoesIEP

Instagram: @DontIEPalone  

🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 Join A Community of Parents and Advocates who "get it": https://village.adayinourshoes.com 

🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼

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

How to Prepare for an IEP Manifestation Determination Hearing at School.

🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉https://dontiepalone.com/iep-progress/

🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Training: 👉  https://dontiepalone.com/online-special-education-advocacy-training/

⚠️More on FAPE: https://adayinourshoes.com/fape/

🎯 Free IEP Binder for Parents: https://adayinourshoes.com/free-iep-binder/

https://Facebook.com/ADayInOurShoesIEP

https://Instagram.com/DontIEPalone  

🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 Every question is answered by an advocate--Join A Community of Parents and Advocates who "get it": https://village.adayinourshoes.com 

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

Times are different, and challenging. Here's what I'm doing a little bit differently.

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!

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Other ways I can help you with IEPs:

📚 Order my book

Welcome to "Don't IEP Alone," the podcast that provides support and guidance for parents navigating the world of Individualized Education Programs. 

In today's episode, we'll be sharing 12 valuable tips for special education parent-teacher conferences during IEP season. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to this journey, these insights will help you approach these important meetings with confidence and clarity. From setting expectations and communication strategies to addressing concerns and understanding your rights, we've got you covered. So grab a pen and paper, and let's dive into these essential tips to ensure you make the most of your parent-teacher conferences.

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!

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Other ways I can help you with IEPs:

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When one door closes, another opens.

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

Executive functioning-- always a popular topic.

🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉https://dontiepalone.com/iep-progress/

🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Training: 👉  https://dontiepalone.com/online-special-education-advocacy-training/

⚠️More on FAPE: https://adayinourshoes.com/fape/

🎯 Free IEP Binder for Parents: https://adayinourshoes.com/free-iep-binder/

https://Facebook.com/ADayInOurShoesIEP

https://Instagram.com/DontIEPalone  

🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 Every question is answered by an advocate--Join A Community of Parents and Advocates who "get it": https://village.adayinourshoes.com 🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼

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

Mentioned in Episode:

OSERS Has Been Dismantled: What This Means for Disabled Adults and Their Families.

OSEP Is Gone: What It Means for Your Child’s IEP and What Parents Must Do Now.

🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉https://dontiepalone.com/iep-progress/

🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Training: 👉  https://dontiepalone.com/online-special-education-advocacy-training/

⚠️More on FAPE: https://adayinourshoes.com/fape/

🎯 Free IEP Binder for Parents: https://adayinourshoes.com/free-iep-binder/

https://Facebook.com/ADayInOurShoesIEP

https://Instagram.com/DontIEPalone  

🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 Every question is answered by an advocate--Join A Community of Parents and Advocates who "get it": https://village.adayinourshoes.com 

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