Don't IEP Alone.

De: Lisa Lightner
  • Resumen

  • 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.
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Episodios
  • Breaking Down RFK, Dr. Oz, Executive Orders, and the Supreme Court: Big IEP Headlines Explained
    May 6 2025

    Don't miss: https://adayinourshoes.com/book/

    Welcome back to “Don’t IEP Alone” with Lisa Lightner, your go-to podcast for all things IEPs and special education advocacy. In today’s episode, Lisa dives into a whirlwind week packed with high-profile statements, policy updates, and a Supreme Court case that could have far-reaching implications for families of children with disabilities.

    Lisa breaks down the controversial comments made by RFK Jr. about autistic individuals, reacts to Dr. Oz’s take on public health, and explains what a new executive order on school discipline could mean for your child. She also sheds light on an important Supreme Court case involving IEP disputes, examining what’s really at stake for families seeking justice and effective support.

    Tune in as Lisa untangles this busy week in advocacy, offers practical advice on taking action, and shares some personal updates—including exciting news about her book. As always, it’s the candid, straight-shooting conversation you can count on to help you navigate the often-complex world of special education.

    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


    📣 Exciting News! You can now preorder my book on Amazon, Books-A-Million, Bookshop.org or Barnes & Noble! 📣

    📚 Bookshop.org has it on sale! 📚

    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

    🧰 ...

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    23 m
  • Challenging Stigma: Autism, Family Life, and Confronting Harmful Narratives
    Apr 30 2025

    Welcome back to Don’t IEP Alone, your go-to podcast for real talk about IEPs, advocacy, and navigating the world of special education. I’m your host, Lisa Lightner, and in today’s episode, I’m catching you up on some big updates—like the release of my very first book coming out this October (and yes, you can already pre-order it!). I dig into what it’s really like working as an advocate, juggling income streams, and balancing all the “have-tos” that come with parenting and supporting kids with disabilities.

    This week, I’m sharing my thoughts on the heaviness of the world lately, from the challenges our kids face today to the problematic rhetoric coming from public figures like RFK Jr. We’ll talk about wealth, privilege, and why some people with power seem so intent on making life tougher for marginalized communities—especially families like ours. Plus, I’ll get personal about my Powerball daydreams, the realities of having a child with profound autism, and why community support matters so much more than ever.

    If you’re ready for lived experience, unfiltered opinions, and concrete action items for making change, you’re in the right place.

    More: https://adayinourshoes.com/stepping-up-for-disabled-kids/

    And: https://adayinourshoes.com/book/

    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


    📣 Exciting News! You can now preorder my book on Amazon, Books-A-Million, Bookshop.org or Barnes & Noble! 📣

    📚 Bookshop.org has it on sale! 📚

    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

    🧰 ...

    Más Menos
    18 m
  • Adapting to Change: IEP and 504 Plans in a Shifting Landscape
    Apr 15 2025

    Content mentioned in episode: IEP vs 504: What’s the Same? And Which is Better to Have?

    In this episode, Lisa addresses significant changes within the US Department of Education and the impact these could have on IDEA and Section 504, including legal battles and personnel changes at the Office of Civil Rights. She explores the pros and cons of IEPs versus 504 plans, highlighting the importance of these legally binding documents in ensuring children with disabilities receive the education they deserve.

    Lisa also discusses the importance of community and resistance movements in protecting rights under attack, providing listeners with insight and strategies to navigate these uncertain times. Join Lisa as she shares her perspectives and encourages listeners to stay informed and engaged in advocating for disability rights.

    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


    📣 Exciting News! You can now preorder my book on Amazon, Books-A-Million, Bookshop.org or Barnes & Noble! 📣

    📚 Bookshop.org has it on sale! 📚

    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

    🧰 ...

    Más Menos
    22 m
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