Don't IEP Alone.

I'm getting a facelift! 

Ha, no, not me. The podcast. Details in this episode.

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 Your IEP Playbook (my book)
• Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review
• Get on the Waitlist for Training

Parents, get your free IEP binder: https://adayinourshoes.com/free-iep-binder/

Get your free IEP goal tracker: https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-goal-tracker/

Welcome back to Don't IEP Alone with your host, Lisa Lightner. In this episode, Lisa dives into the rapidly changing landscape of special education and the overwhelming wave of recent changes in the Department of Education. She unpacks the intentional chaos designed to wear families thin, from high-profile firings—especially in the Office for Civil Rights—to the ongoing debate about "returning education to the states." Lisa shares practical advice for navigating this uncertainty, including the importance of understanding your state's regulations, building supportive relationships with school and community teams, staying vigilant with IEP progress monitoring, and creatively seeking out additional resources for your child. 

Whether you're feeling discouraged by national developments or just looking for concrete steps to better support your family, Lisa offers perspective, advocacy tips, and a reminder that you’re not alone. Tune in and get equipped for the road ahead!

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 Your IEP Playbook (my book)
• Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review
• Get on the Waitlist for Training

Parents, get your free IEP binder: https://adayinourshoes.com/free-iep-binder/

Get your free IEP goal tracker: https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-goal-tracker/

Welcome back to Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner! In today's episode, Lisa tackles one of the most common questions she gets from parents: "What can I ask for on my IEP?" Drawing from over 15 years of advocacy experience, Lisa breaks down the good news—and the bad news—about IEP requests. She explains why there's no one-size-fits-all list of options, and instead emphasizes the importance of becoming an expert in your child's unique needs. 

Lisa shares practical tips for finding ideas, advocating effectively with data and documentation, and pushing past the initial "no" you might hear from your team. Whether you're stepping into your first IEP meeting or looking for fresh strategies, this episode is filled with honest guidance and encouragement. Tune in and get empowered to ask for what your child truly needs!

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 Your IEP Playbook (my book)
• Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review
• Get on the Waitlist for Training

Lisa Lightner is a dedicated advocate for parents navigating the IEP process. With her trusty mini desk fan by her side—an essential comfort for women of a certain age—Lisa brings warmth, humor, and understanding to her work. 

Through her podcast and social media reels, stories, and videos, she shares practical advice and encouragement for families working through IEP meetings and advocacy efforts. Lisa’s mission is to help parents feel supported, reminding them they are not failures if results take time and that their persistence truly matters.

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 Your IEP Playbook (my book)
• Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review
• Get on the Waitlist for Training

Welcome back to the Don't IEP Alone podcast with Lisa Lightner! In today’s episode, Lisa dives into the importance of contacting your representatives—even if you sometimes feel like your voice won’t make a difference. Drawing from her own advocacy experiences and conversations with legislators, Lisa explains why it’s crucial for constituents to reach out, share their stories, and hold elected officials accountable, even in districts where the odds seem stacked against you. 

She also shares actionable tips on how to increase the impact of your outreach—whether through heartfelt phone calls, original emails, or handwritten letters—and encourages persistence and creativity when engaging with policymakers. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just beginning your journey, Lisa’s insights will help empower you to make your voice heard for the special education community. Be sure to visit dontiepalone.com and adayinarshoes.com for more resources.

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 Your IEP Playbook (my book)
• Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review
• Get on the Waitlist for Training

Welcome back to Don't IEP Alone! In this episode, host Lisa Lightner shares a heartfelt update from the thick of summer, reminding parents to communicate their children's special health needs—like temperature regulation—to their IEP teams. Lisa dives into some unique Pennsylvania special education history, spotlighting the origins of IEPs and the creation of "intermediate units" and local task forces that advocate for families. She reflects on her experiences leading one of these groups, the ongoing challenges in keeping parents engaged, and the vital role these task forces play in supporting special education.

This week, Lisa also shares her recent advocacy efforts, including an important conversation with her local Congresswoman about Medicaid and HCBS services. The big takeaway? Your voice matters—even if your district feels impossible to influence. Lisa encourages everyone to keep reaching out to policymakers because persistent advocacy does make a difference, especially as we head into a pivotal year for policy and representation. Stick around for practical advocacy advice, a dash of inspiration, and a reminder to check out the new Don't IEP Alone website for more tools and training. Stay cool and enjoy the episode!

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 Your IEP Playbook (my book)
• Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review
• Get on the Waitlist for Training

The school has asked for access to your child's medical records. Now what?

Do I have to share my child’s medical records with the IEP team?

Support the show

Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 

• 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book)
• Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review
• Get on the Waitlist for Training

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 Your IEP Playbook (my book)
• Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review
• Get on the Waitlist for Training

And hey, my book is on sale today at Barnes & Noble!

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 Your IEP Playbook (my book)
• Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review
• Get on the Waitlist for Training

What parents need to know about IEEs-Independent Education Evaluations. When and how to ask for one, what criteria to use to ask for one and what to do once you've received an IEE report.

Support the show

Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 

• 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book)
• Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review
• Get on the Waitlist for Training