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 📣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 Advoc...
Jul 02, 2025•22 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Hiring an IEP advocate or Special Education Advocate is a tough decision. Here are some things to consider before you take the plunge. 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 🧰 ...
Jul 01, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Students with IEPs can continue in public schools until ages 19 or even 25. But should they? And who decides? 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 i...
Jun 25, 2025•22 min•Season 1Ep. 3
A bill just passed in the House that could mean big cuts to Medicaid —even though the word Medicaid isn’t in it. Sound sneaky? That’s because it is. In this episode, I’m breaking down: ✅ What this bill actually does ✅ The myths about Medicaid fraud that keep getting repeated (and why they’re bogus) ✅ Why we must take action—today, not tomorrow ✅ How to call, email, and visit your senator to make your voice heard Our kids need us to fight for them. No one is coming to save us—it’s on us to push b...
Jun 24, 2025•18 min
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 Quest...
Jun 10, 2025•7 min
From Entitlement to Eligibility : The Wake-Up Call Special Needs Parents Usually Aren't Expecting. It's important for parents, especially if your child has a lot of needs, that you understand this concept as you move to adult services. 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 ...
Jun 04, 2025•15 min
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 Quest...
Jun 03, 2025•7 min
Did you know that 1/3 of all kids with autism develop seizures? I've got a lot of mom guilt and "shoulda, coulda, woulda" surrounding my son's seizure condition. Here's what to look for and where to get more information. What you need to know if your child is at risk for developing seizures. Read the blog post: 6 Things I wish I'd been told about my son's seizure risk. Support the show 📣Preorder my book 📣 Amazon Books-A-Million Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble ! More IEP help for you--at home o...
May 27, 2025•21 min
The budget to cut Medicaid was discussed last night at 1 am. Details, thoughts, and action items. 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 P...
May 21, 2025•12 min
Welcome to another episode of Don't IEP Alone with your host, Lisa Lightner. In today’s deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, Lisa reflects on a recent visit to Atlantic City and uses her experience walking its streets as a lens to examine larger issues surrounding disability, mental health, addiction, and the consequences of societal neglect. Drawing from her years of advocacy and firsthand stories from clients, Lisa explores the troubling connections between learning disabilities, lac...
May 20, 2025•21 min
Get the book: https://adayinourshoes.com/book/ Welcome back to Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner! As we approach the end of the school year, Lisa dives into the home stretch with timely advice for families navigating IEPs, particularly around Extended School Year (ESY) services. In this candid and heartfelt episode, Lisa shares her personal experiences as a special needs parent, reflecting on making choices about ESY programs, the emotional nuances of milestones like graduation, and the unique ...
May 13, 2025•17 min
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 o...
May 06, 2025•23 min
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 d...
Apr 30, 2025•18 min
An unfortunate trend I see every spring as a Special Education Advocate--the school frequently calling parents to come pick up their child. Usually due to behaviors. So what can you do? Listen and find out. 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...
Apr 29, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 21
This happens so often this time of year and it makes me nuts. You cannot discriminate against any protected class, yet kids with IEPs are excluded from field trips all the 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 Traini...
Apr 24, 2025•20 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Too many parents don't know what a PWN is, yet it is one of the most important parts of the IEP process . I call it the "little known game changer" in the IEP process. Listen to find out what it is and how to use it. 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 f...
Apr 23, 2025•17 min•Season 1Ep. 15
All of your rights as an IEP parent are listed in Procedural Safeguards. Here are a few of the important highlights. IEP Procedural Safeguards 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 Ques...
Apr 22, 2025•12 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Parents ask me all the time, "Can I ask for this?" or "What about this?" So what can you ask for on an IEP? What are the limits? 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...
Apr 17, 2025•11 min•Season 1Ep. 14
When you're crying during an IEP meeting, chances are you're not feeling strong and empowered. I'm sharing some great tips on how to not cry at your IEP meeting . 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 Ad...
Apr 16, 2025•16 min•Season 1Ep. 13
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 de...
Apr 15, 2025•22 min
Would you like to have your IEP questions answered by a Special Education Advocate? You can email them to me at Lisa @ ADayInOurShoes.com Plus, an update on my son. 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 ...
Apr 11, 2025•4 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Honestly, I haven't stressed out about an IEP meeting in years. Years, I tell you! Here's why. 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...
Apr 10, 2025•10 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Who attends an IEP Meeting ? Who can you invite? Who should you invite? 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 mi...
Apr 09, 2025•12 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Links: 15 Evidence-Based Social Skills Interventions That Actually Work in IEPs 101 Social Skills IEP Goals for all Ages, including Objectives (free PDF) Join host Lisa Lightner as she navigates the evolving landscape of podcasts and embraces the simplicity of an unedited, heartfelt conversation. In this episode, Lisa emphasizes the importance of returning to IEP-focused content amidst the current distractions in the world. She delves deep into the pressing concerns about social skills that many...
Apr 08, 2025•19 min
Did you hear? It's Autism Awareness Month. Also read: Ableism: Why autism moms need to stop doing stuff like this. AND Well-intended Autism Awareness Materials that are actually ableist. 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 Advoca...
Apr 04, 2025•29 min
I get asked this a lot. "What's one piece of advice that you have for parents?" Well, it's more than one thing, but I was able to pare it down into tangible tips. 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 Ad...
Apr 03, 2025•13 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Thanks so much for tuning into my simple little podcast about IEPs. I promise to get it cleaned up and a regular content schedule--starting next week. Links to flash sale: https://adayinourshoes.org/advocacy-training-flash-sale/ Link to advocacy action items: https://adayinourshoes.com/administration-for-community-living-acl/ 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...
Apr 02, 2025•15 min
Sorry, this episode cuts off abruptly for some reason, and I don't have time to re record it today. Links to flash sale: https://adayinourshoes.org/advocacy-training-flash-sale/ Welcome back to "Don't IEP Alone" with your host, Lisa Lightner. It's April 1st, and we've got a jam-packed episode for you, beginning with an exciting announcement. In honor of April Fool's Day, Lisa is offering a special 50% discount on her "Don't IEP Alone" Academy. With the theme "advocacy is no joke," listeners can ...
Apr 01, 2025•8 min
Links to flash sale: https://adayinourshoes.org/advocacy-training-flash-sale/ Link to advocacy action items: https://adayinourshoes.com/administration-for-community-living-acl/ Welcome to a special Monday edition of the "Don't IEP Alone" podcast with your host, Lisa Lightner. On this episode, Lisa dives into pressing issues in the advocacy world, starting with an urgent flash sale on her Don't IEP Alone Academy, designed to make advocacy training more accessible amid increasing demand for advoca...
Mar 31, 2025•15 min
Discussed in episode: The End of the Department of Education? What Parents and Teachers Need to Know Now That link includes action items for parents and teachers. Welcome to another episode of "Don't IEP Alone" with your host Lisa Lightner. In today's episode, Lisa addresses the widespread concerns of parents navigating the potential impacts of recent political changes on special education and related services. As a mother of a child with disabilities and an advocate, Lisa shares personal insigh...
Mar 25, 2025•22 min
