Hiring an IEP advocate or Special Education Advocate is a tough decision. Here are some things to consider before you take the plunge.

Support the show

Other ways I can help you with IEPs:

📚 Preorder my book

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents
💻 Online Advocacy Training

👉 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

⭐How to Write IEP Present Levels

Students with IEPs can continue in public schools until ages 19 or even 25. But should they? And who decides?

Support the show

Other ways I can help you with IEPs:

📚 Preorder my book

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents
💻 Online Advocacy Training

👉 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

⭐How to Write IEP Present Levels

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 does
✅ The myths about Medicaid fraud that keep getting repeated (and why they’re bogus)
✅ Why we must take action—today, not tomorrow
✅ How to call, email, and visit your senator to make your voice heard

Our kids need us to fight for them. No one is coming to save us—it’s on us to push back. We are NOT the minority. The majority of Americans are fed up, and it’s time to act.

🔗 Links to scripts, templates, and resources: https://adayinourshoes.com/medicaid-cuts/

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:

📚 Preorder my book

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents
💻 Online Advocacy Training

👉 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

⭐How to Write IEP Present Levels

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:

📚 Preorder my book

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents
💻 Online Advocacy Training

👉 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

⭐How to Write IEP Present Levels

From Entitlement to Eligibility: The Wake-Up Call Special Needs Parents Usually Aren't Expecting.

It's important for parents, especially if your child has a lot of needs, that you understand this concept as you move to adult services.

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:

📚 Preorder my book

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents
💻 Online Advocacy Training

👉 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

⭐How to Write IEP Present Levels

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:

📚 Preorder my book

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents
💻 Online Advocacy Training

👉 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

⭐How to Write IEP Present Levels

Did you know that 1/3 of all kids with autism develop seizures?

I've got a lot of mom guilt and "shoulda, coulda, woulda" surrounding my son's seizure condition. Here's what to look for and where to get more information.

What you need to know if your child is at risk for developing seizures.

Read the blog post: 6 Things I wish I'd been told about my son's seizure risk.

Support the show

Other ways I can help you with IEPs:

📚 Preorder my book

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents
💻 Online Advocacy Training

👉 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

⭐How to Write IEP Present Levels

The budget to cut Medicaid was discussed last night at 1 am. Details, thoughts, and action items. 

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:

📚 Preorder my book

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents
💻 Online Advocacy Training

👉 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

⭐How to Write IEP Present Levels

Welcome to another episode of Don't IEP Alone with your host, Lisa Lightner. In today’s deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, Lisa reflects on a recent visit to Atlantic City and uses her experience walking its streets as a lens to examine larger issues surrounding disability, mental health, addiction, and the consequences of societal neglect. Drawing from her years of advocacy and firsthand stories from clients, Lisa explores the troubling connections between learning disabilities, lack of support, and the increased risks of addiction and incarceration. She poses a heartfelt question—"Who failed you?"—as she considers the people society often overlooks and urges listeners to recognize the critical importance of early intervention and meaningful support. With a blend of real-world observation and compassionate insight, Lisa calls on parents and advocates to fight harder for these vulnerable children, reminding us that we must refuse to accept bleak outcomes for kids with special needs. Tune in for a candid conversation that is sure to inspire action and empathy.

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:

📚 Preorder my book

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents
💻 Online Advocacy Training

👉 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

⭐How to Write IEP Present Levels

Get the book: https://adayinourshoes.com/book/

Welcome back to Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner! As we approach the end of the school year, Lisa dives into the home stretch with timely advice for families navigating IEPs, particularly around Extended School Year (ESY) services. In this candid and heartfelt episode, Lisa shares her personal experiences as a special needs parent, reflecting on making choices about ESY programs, the emotional nuances of milestones like graduation, and the unique challenges faced by families with disabled or neurodiverse children.

Lisa also addresses some of the current divisions within the autism and disability communities, emphasizing the need for real advocacy over social media arguments, and shares updates on valuable resources like her free life skills virtual camp, upcoming webinars, and new toolkit mini-courses for both parents and teachers. Whether you’re figuring out summer plans or feeling the weight of this season, Lisa reminds us that you’re not alone, offering encouragement, practical tips, and a dose of solidarity for everyone in this space.

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:

📚 Preorder my book

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents
💻 Online Advocacy Training

👉 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

⭐How to Write IEP Present Levels