In today's episode of "Don't IEP Alone," host and special education advocate Lisa Lightner dives into a critical topic she's been passionate about for months—the truth behind the role of the United States Department of Education and the misleading narratives around state control over public education. Lisa sheds light on the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) of 1974, which restricts the federal government from dictating curriculum in public schools, emphasizing that education has always be...
Mar 19, 2025•18 min
Welcome to a brand new episode of "Don't IEP Alone" with your host, Lisa Lightner. Today, we're diving into a significant court case involving the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) from 1974 that the new administration recently lost. This case underscores the vital role states play in determining educational curriculum and the longstanding prohibition on federal overreach. Lisa explores why local and state elections matter more than ever, especially as groups like "Moms for Liberty" make w...
Mar 11, 2025•11 min
This is one of the most important parts of the IEP...so make it great. I'm offering tips on how to write your best EVER parent concerns letter for your IEP . 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 Advocat...
Mar 04, 2025•15 min•Season 1Ep. 9
Why did {the school} do that? Why? Answering this age old question. 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!...
Feb 27, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 8
It's the time of year when you should be making plans for summer ESY. Here's what you need to know. 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 Clas...
Feb 26, 2025•14 min•Season 1Ep. 6
We've all been there--in an IEP meeting with that one difficult, ornery person. But can you uninvite them to the 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 Advocate your IEP Question 🧰 How to Co...
Feb 25, 2025•9 min•Season 1Ep. 5
A 504 was never intended to be an "IEP lite" but that is what is happening. What can you do if you're being pushed toward a 504 when you think they need an IEP? 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 Advo...
Feb 25, 2025•9 min•Season 1Ep. 4
If you have limited time and just want to know what to focus on quickly, which section of the IEP is the most important? 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...
Feb 20, 2025•7 min•Season 1Ep. 2
In this episode of Don't IEP Alone, host Lisa Lightner delves into the intricacies of IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and the implications of public versus private education for children with special needs. Lisa provides a historical overview of IDEA's origins, linking it to a significant Pennsylvania court case that laid the groundwork for the legislation. She explores the ongoing challenges public schools face in providing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) due to fi...
Feb 18, 2025•20 min
Welcome to a special edition of Don't IEP Alone with your host, Lisa Lightner. In this episode, Lisa shares her insights and reflections ahead of the weekend's big event – the Super Bowl. As Philadelphia Eagles fans gear up for an exciting game, Lisa discusses how current events and social dynamics are creating a whirlwind of emotions. She touches upon the fast-paced changes happening in the world politically and socially, and encourages listeners to focus on what truly matters by selecting key ...
Feb 07, 2025•19 min
In this episode of "Don't IEP Alone," host Lisa Lightner welcomes back attorney Laura Hennigan to discuss the complex and ever-evolving landscape of special education and disability rights in the United States. They delve into the looming concerns surrounding the potential weakening of the IDEA and the US Department of Education's role amidst current political tumult. Laura, a Connecticut-based parent attorney with personal ties to special education, offers valuable insights into navigating the ...
Feb 05, 2025•46 min
IEP Data Collection-What does it look like? Who does it? How to get Meaningful IEP Data | Examples | Collection | Sheets 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...
Feb 05, 2025•27 min•Season 2020Ep. 4
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 positi...
Feb 04, 2025•26 min
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 ...
Feb 03, 2025•18 min
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 acces...
Jan 29, 2025•18 min
I'm talking about two things today-- IEP Goal Banks and Parent Teacher Conferences when you have an IEP. Get the IEP Toolkit . ------------------------------- 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 epi...
Jan 23, 2025•22 min•Season 3Ep. 10
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 disco...
Jan 22, 2025•28 min
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 r...
Jan 21, 2025•25 min•Season 3Ep. 22
When parents request too many IEP meetings. Yes, that's a "thing" sometimes. 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 yo...
Jan 21, 2025•23 min
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...
Jan 15, 2025•20 min
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 📣Preorder my book 📣 Amazon Books-A-Million Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble ! More IEP help for you--at home or at school...
Jan 08, 2025•15 min
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 📣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 Questi...
Jan 07, 2025•23 min•Season 2020Ep. 9
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. Support the show 📣Preorder my book 📣 Amazon Books-A-Million Boo...
Jan 02, 2025•43 min•Season 2020Ep. 13
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 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 🧰 IE...
Dec 18, 2024•10 min•Season 1Ep. 5
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 Support the show 📣Preorder my book 📣 Amazon Books-A-Million Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble ! More IEP help for you--at h...
Dec 17, 2024•52 min•Ep. 22
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 ...
Dec 12, 2024•35 min•Season 2020Ep. 1
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 advo...
Dec 11, 2024•30 min
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...
Dec 10, 2024•21 min
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 ...
May 07, 2024•15 min
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 guid...
Apr 30, 2024•21 min
