Don't IEP Alone. Podcast Por Lisa Lightner arte de portada

Don't IEP Alone.

Don't IEP Alone.

De: Lisa Lightner
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I attend IEP meetings for a living and you just can't compete with that level of crazy.This is the only podcast dedicated to helping parents navigate the IEP process.Warning: I've been told I have a Philly accent. I don't hear it. Also, I curse. It's something I'm working on as far as personal development. So please don't be put off. I'm trying.Inspired by her own son with disabilities, Lisa Lightner is an award-winning blogger and advocate. She has previously worked for her county's Arc and has served on the Boards of Directors for several disability organizations. Currently, she is her county's chairperson for the Right to Education Task Force, a federally decreed group set up in 1971 to ensure that all children in Pennsylvania had the opportunity to an education. When not attending IEP meetings with families or lobbying in Harrisburg and DC for disability rights, she can be found on the web at her IEP advice blog, A Day in our Shoes. She is known for her practical, realistic and implementable advice for parents.© 2023 Don't IEP Alone.
Episodios
  • From Phone Calls to Handwritten Letters: Tips to Make Legislators Listen on Issues

    From Phone Calls to Handwritten Letters: Tips to Make Legislators Listen on Issues
    Jul 16 2025

    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


    📣Preorder my book 📣

    • Amazon
    • Books-A-Million
    • Bookshop.org
    • Barnes & Noble!

    More IEP help for you--at home or at school--

    📊     Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)

    📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents

    ☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents

    🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents

    👩‍💻 Online Advocacy Training

    🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

    🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
    Más Menos
    10 m
  • Reviving Parent Groups: The Old and New of Special Ed Advocacy

    Reviving Parent Groups: The Old and New of Special Ed Advocacy
    Jul 15 2025

    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


    📣Preorder my book 📣

    • Amazon
    • Books-A-Million
    • Bookshop.org
    • Barnes & Noble!

    More IEP help for you--at home or at school--

    📊     Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)

    📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents

    ☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents

    🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents

    👩‍💻 Online Advocacy Training

    🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

    🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
    Más Menos
    14 m
  • Is ESY starting this week? And, yeah, the Medicaid thing.

    Is ESY starting this week? And, yeah, the Medicaid thing.
    Jul 9 2025

    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


    📣Preorder my book 📣

    • Amazon
    • Books-A-Million
    • Bookshop.org
    • Barnes & Noble!

    More IEP help for you--at home or at school--

    📊     Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)

    📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents

    ☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents

    🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents

    👩‍💻 Online Advocacy Training

    🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

    🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
    Más Menos
    10 m
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