Don't IEP Alone.

Janice Lloyd is an experienced teacher trainer, private school administrator, and small group instructor at The Highlands School in Bel Air, Maryland. She has extensive experience with Orton-Gillingham methodologies, structured literacy, and learning differences such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and ADHD/executive function weaknesses. 

The Highlands School educates students with learning differences and achievement gaps. We instill hope and confidence in our students by fostering a positive and nurturing environment. We focus on teaching our students methods to help them realize their strengths, overcome frustrations, and achieve academic and social success.

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 the insightful host of "Don't IEP Alone," a podcast offering support and guidance for navigating the complexities of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Known for her engaging storytelling and timely discussions, Lisa tackles current events and timeless wisdom with equal dexterity. In an episode recorded just two weeks after the 2025 inauguration, she reflects on societal behaviors through the lens of Dale Carnegie's enduring advice from 1937: that people resist admitting they're wrong, even when faced with evidence. This philosophy shapes her understanding of the world and is particularly relevant with today's political climate. Exceptionally dedicated to her audience, Lisa adapts her publishing schedule to ensure listeners receive valuable content, demonstrating her commitment to providing timely and impactful episodes.

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

In today's episode of "Don't IEP Alone," host Lisa Lightner candidly addresses the urgent issues arising from the recent federal spending freeze initiated by the new administration and its impact on Medicaid.

As Lisa navigates the complex intersection of politics and disability advocacy, she sheds light on how unconstitutional executive orders are affecting millions of Americans, including her own family. Lisa discusses the broader implications of these political decisions, from healthcare access to infrastructure, emphasizing the need for informed and critical evaluation of government actions.

She invites listeners to engage with her political action group, "Stepping Up for Disabled Kids," to voice their concerns and advocate for the necessary support their families require. Tune in for a passionate and informative discussion on the challenges and actions needed in these tumultuous times.

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

I'm talking about two things today--IEP Goal Banks and Parent Teacher Conferences when you have an IEP.

Get the IEP Toolkit.

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Hello, and welcome to another episode of "Don't IEP Alone." I'm your host, Lisa Lightner. Today, we have some exciting topics to discuss, including the highly requested IEP goal bank and navigating parent-teacher conferences. 

So, whether you're seeking guidance on IEP goal setting or advice for upcoming parent-teacher conferences, this episode has something for you. 

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 to another episode of Don't IEP Alone with your host, Lisa Lightner. In this thought-provoking installment, Lisa shares her personal journey navigating autism advocacy as the parent of a disabled child. With candor and determination, Lisa challenges the prevailing narratives in the autism advocacy community, emphasizing the importance of genuine conversations over performative advocacy. She reflects on the evolution of her views on autism, informed by personal experience and online discourse, and discusses the broader implications these narratives have on funding, programming, and support for individuals with severe autism. Tune in as Lisa passionately advocates for those, like her son, whose voices are often unheard in these discussions.

Autism Information and Resources

• Understanding "Allistic" and Its Impact on Your Child’s IEP
• The Differences Between Hyperlexia and Gestalt Language Processing
• 15 Popular Books with Autistic Main Characters
• Hand Flapping When Excited, But Not Autism? How to Tell, When to Worry.
• 7 Audiologist-Recommended Noise Cancelling Headphones for Autism, ADHD, or Anxiety
• 50 Sensory Bin Ideas for Autism
• Transautistic and transabled, what are these?
• How to Write an IEP for Autism: IEP Goal Ideas, Sample PDF
• Free Interoception Activities PDF: How to Improve Interoceptive Skills
• 14 Pretend Play Ideas (+ Pretend Play and Autism)
• Autism Incontinence: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
• Educational Autism vs Medical Autism: What's the Difference?
• What are Autistic Shutdowns? (adults and kids)

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

Mentioned in episode:

Link to take training: https://adayinourshoes.org/iep-special-education-advocacy/

Link to purchase toolkit: https://adayinourshoes.org/download-the-iep-toolkit/

On this special Tuesday edition of Don't IEP Alone, host Lisa Lightner covers the essential things parents need to do right now for their child's Individualized Education Program. 

As the February frenzy approaches and IEP meetings loom, Lisa encourages parents to reclaim their understanding of their child's IEP by revisiting the document and identifying necessary changes. Additionally, she shares insights about the importance of addressing Extended School Year (ESY) services and urges parents to equip themselves with the knowledge needed to advocate effectively for their children. 

Through real-life testimonials and practical advice, Lisa emphasizes the need for formal IEP training and invites parents to take proactive steps towards ensuring their child receives the support they are entitled to. Join us as we navigate the challenging terrain of IEPs and empower parents to advocate for their children's educational 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

When parents request too many IEP meetings. Yes, that's a "thing" sometimes.

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

Navigating the Journey of IEPs: Ownership, Change, and Accountability

Welcome to another episode of Don't IEP Alone with your host, Lisa Lightner. In today's candid discussion, Lisa addresses the challenges faced by IEP (Individualized Education Program) parents and the importance of taking active ownership of the IEP journey. She shares her personal experiences and frustrations with parents seeking quick fixes rather than engaging in the ongoing process of advocacy. 

Lisa emphasizes the need for parents to be the driving force in improving their IEPs, as no one else is more motivated to do so. Tune in as she offers tough love advice, recounts her own obstacles and triumphs, and encourages listeners to take proactive steps toward achieving meaningful change. 

Whether you're a seasoned advocate or just starting your journey, Lisa's insights are sure to inspire action and empower parents to navigate the IEP landscape with confidence. Don't miss this empowering episode filled with practical advice and heartfelt encouragement.

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

Very brief episode, a little of this and that....and what to do right now for your IEP advocacy.

Mentioned in podcast: Stepping Up for Disabled Kids
Online Advocacy Training
Free Webinar: What can I ask for on my IEP?

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

No excuses--why parents must engage in the IEP process. Because we are the IEP police!

Read more: Parents, You are the IEP Police. Yes, you!

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