Part 1 of 2, I'm interviewing Special Education Attorney Steve Jacobson.

We talked about unilateral placements for Special Education, and how to tell when you might need an attorney to get involved with your IEP disputes.

Read: What is IEP Unilateral Placement?

If you are interested in learning more about the firm or to schedule a free consultation with a Special Education Attorney in Pennsylvania, you can click the hyperlinks. 

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Other ways I can help you with IEPs:

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The Emotional Disturbance Classification--it's way overused and it's got to stop. Here's why classification matters, and what you can and should do about it.

Read: Understanding the Emotional Disturbance Definition and your IEP

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Other ways I can help you with IEPs:

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A pediatric neurologist talks with me about kids living with ADHD, the differences between boys and girls, medications and more. #ADHD #DontIEPalone

I have other similar resources on my site, so maybe you're looking for:

• Graphic Organizer (60 free PDFs)
• ADHD To-Do List Templates
• High School Free Printable Study Skills Worksheets
• List of 40 Common 504 accommodations for ADHD

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Other ways I can help you with IEPs:

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An overview of how to write good IEP goals.

For More Information + the templates I refer to in the podcast, visit:
How to Write IEP Goals

More IEP Meeting Preparation and Resources:

• IEP Meeting Preparation Checklist (for parents)
• Sample IEP Meeting Agendas and Templates
• Questions to Ask During your IEP Meeting (parents)
• How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting
• IEP Meeting FAQs
• IEP Meeting Notes Template (free PDF)
• IEP Toolkit for Parents (full version with videos)
• IEP Toolkit for Parents (44 PDF Tools Only)
• IEP Toolkit for Teachers
• Free IEP Meeting Checklist for Teachers

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Other ways I can help you with IEPs:

📚 Order my book

Welcome back to another episode of "Don't IEP Alone"! I'm your host, Lisa Lightner, and today we're diving into a topic that's been on the minds of many special needs parents: the potential dismantling of the Department of Education and the future of IDEA and health policies affecting our children. Joining us for this discussion is Michael Gamel-McCormick, the disability policy director for Senator Bob Casey. 

Michael brings a wealth of experience as a former special education teacher and an advocate in the realm of disability policy. In this insightful conversation, we explore the implications of possible changes in Washington, DC, such as the rumblings about a federal voucher program, potential funding cuts to IDEA, and the future of the Affordable Care Act. We're chatting about how these changes might impact our kids' education and healthcare. So, if you're a parent of a disabled child, this episode is packed with crucial information and expert advice that you won't want to miss. Let's jump right in.

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

1. **New Weekly Episodes**: Lisa Lightner plans to release a new podcast episode every week starting in 2025.
2. **Political Action Group**: Lisa has launched a new political action group called "Stepping Up for Disabled Kids."
3. **Upcoming Book**: Lisa is writing a book scheduled to be released around back-to-school time in 2025 through Jossey-Bass Publishers.

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

In this episode of "Don't IEP Alone," host Lisa Lightner shares her insights on navigating the end of the school year and the importance of parental engagement in the IEP process. Lisa emphasizes the benefits of her online advocacy training and encourages parents to plan their summer proactively to address any unresolved issues from the previous school year. She urges listeners to prioritize their efforts and focus on the key aspects of the IEP, while also reminding them to avoid getting bogged down by trivial matters. Tune in for valuable advice and practical tips on advocating for your child's education.

www.adayinourshoes.com
www.adayinourshoes.org

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

In this episode of "Don't IEP Alone," host Lisa Lightner delves into the intricacies of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. She discusses the importance of understanding the timelines and procedures outlined in the IEP flowchart that she created. Lisa emphasizes the significance of investigating state-specific information and maintaining focus on the bigger picture of advocating for a child's educational needs. With her wealth of experience and insights, Lisa offers valuable guidance for parents navigating the complexities of the IEP process. 

Join us as we explore how to effectively advocate for your child's educational needs within the framework of the IEP.

www.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

In this episode of "Don't IEP Alone," special education advocate Lisa Lightner dives into the intricacies of IEPs and 504 plans, highlighting key red flags to watch out for in the process. From the misuse of 504 plans as an "IEP light" to language manipulation in accommodations and the crucial importance of a robust present level section, Lisa provides valuable insights for parents navigating the special education system. Tune in as she uncovers common pitfalls and offers practical advice for advocating for your child's educational needs.

Visit https://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

In this episode of "Don't IEP Alone," Lisa Lightner delves into the complexities and personal challenges of navigating autism awareness and advocacy. As a dedicated advocate and parent to a child with autism, Lisa shares her journey of supporting her son, Kevin, from early diagnosis to adulthood. She passionately explores the impact of self-advocacy on the options available for individuals with autism, candidly discussing how certain advocacy efforts have influenced government policies and support systems. 

Tune in as Lisa shines a light on the nuances of autism awareness and the profound impact it has on families, offering a raw and unfiltered perspective.

https://adayinourshoes.org/

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