Welcome back to another episode of "Don't IEP Alone." I'm your host, Lisa Lightner, a special education advocate based near Philadelphia. In this episode, we delve into a topic that many parents encounter when navigating the world of IEPs: evaluations. We often find that parents reach out to advocates when things aren't going well with their child's IEP, and sometimes this can go on for months or even years before seeking help. It got us thinking: what if advocates were involved from the beginni...
Oct 18, 2023•26 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Dr. Jessica Myszak is a Chicago-area psychologist who specializes in autism assessment. Doing both in-person and telehealth evaluations in many states across the US, she has developed a niche in less-typical presentations of autism--autism in AFAB children and adults, high-masking children and adults, and pathological demand avoidance (PDA). Website— https://helpandhealingcenter.com/ Tik Tok-- https://www.tiktok.com/@drjessicamyszak Autistic Support Network-- https://autisticsupportnetwork.com/ ...
Oct 11, 2023•20 min•Ep. 7
Ariadne Wolf is a dedicated advocate for disabled and neurodivergent women writers who have faced trauma. Having worked closely with this community, Ariadne discovered their struggle to share their pain stories and connect with audiences in a meaningful and authentic way. This realization led her to establish an editorial consulting business, focusing on empowering and supporting her disabled community. Alongside her career, Ariadne pursued her master's in conflict resolution at the University o...
Oct 11, 2023•29 min•Season 3Ep. 6
00:02:30 Youth facing adult charges, reviewing records and assessing language and cognition to align with charges. Discussing impact of disorder on ability to meet elements. 00:05:19 Parents should familiarize themselves with special education laws and their rights to ensure their child receives appropriate services and not agree to anything they feel is wrong. 00:07:34 The term "school to prison" refers to the transition of youth from schools to the criminal justice system. It emphasizes the ne...
Oct 04, 2023•22 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Welcome back to another episode of "Don't IEP Alone"! In today's episode, we dive into the fascinating topic of executive functioning with the incredibly knowledgeable Tera Sumpter, SLP. Tera, who likes to think of things in terms of growth and planting, shares her insights and strategies for developing and supporting executive functioning skills in children. She categorizes these skills into roots, stems, and flowers, highlighting the importance of prioritizing and organizing skills as the "flo...
Sep 28, 2023•1 hr 6 min
Elliott Jaffa Dr. Elliott B. Jaffa Associates Arlington, VA [email protected] 703-931-0040 00:02:15 The goal is to catch kids being good. Ask what they learned instead of "how was school?" Praise observable behaviors, not physical appearance. Parents struggle with the language of positivity. 00:06:18 The speaker asks an easy question, but with language restrictions. They then ask if the listener's hand is bleeding, questioning the validity of the question. 00:09:34 Cows drink water, not milk. ...
Sep 27, 2023•30 min•Season 3Ep. 4
The Impact of Socialization in the Digital Age: FaceTime vs. In-Person Interaction 00:02:07 Growing concern over children's socialization and anxiety. 00:03:50 Video games can count as socialization, but face-to-face interaction is also important. 00:07:33 Families need to focus on mental health. 00:13:18 Parents must be vigilant with IEPs. Specialty design instruction must match child's needs. Collaboration needed for effective changes. 00:16:49 Technical reports meant to be explained to parent...
Sep 13, 2023•29 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Welcome back to the Don't IEP Alone podcast with your host, Lisa Lightner! After a long hiatus, we are thrilled to be back and ready to provide you with valuable content. In this episode titled "Back to School 2023, is your IEP ready?", Lisa dives into the current state of education, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. She discusses the challenges parents and educators are facing, such as staffing shortages and limited resources, and how it is impacting our children's IEPs. Lisa provi...
Sep 06, 2023•21 min•Season 3Ep. 1
IEP considerations for parents in the post covid era.Read more here: https://adayinourshoes.com/comp-ed-compensatory-education/ 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 ...
Mar 08, 2022•19 min•Season 1Ep. 1
My chat with Kyle Boyer about how to talk with our kids about race. To get the list of resources, watch the video or read the transcript: Talking with Kids about Race 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 a...
Jun 03, 2020•16 min•Season 2020Ep. 24
I'm chatting with OT Jaime Bassman about easy ways to practice OT skills during distance learning . You can click that hyperlink above to watch the video or read the transcript. 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...
Jun 02, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Season 2020Ep. 21
I'm chatting with 2 special education attorneys about all things. To watch the video or read the transcript: https://adayinourshoes.com/attorney-advocate-distance-learning-ieps/ 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...
Jun 01, 2020•1 hr 35 min•Season 2020Ep. 20
I'm taking parent questions about distance learning during the pandemic. This is the audio from a Facebook Live event. To watch the video or read the transcript: COVID-19, FAPE and Distance Learning 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 👩💻 O...
May 29, 2020•58 min•Season 2020Ep. 19
A review of PWN and its importance. THis is a Facebook live event that I did a few months ago, but I uploaded the video file to here as a podcast. Read more about the PWN: Prior Written Notice PWN: The little known game-changer in the IEP process. 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 Shee...
Apr 23, 2020•40 min•Season 2020Ep. 420
Recap of my chat with Ashley Rose from Mission Cognition; she shared some ideas on how to work on social skills while we're stuck at home. You can read the list of ideas or watch the video here: 18 Tips to work on Social Skills/SEL while you’re stuck at home (from a BCBA!) 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...
Apr 22, 2020•39 min•Season 2020Ep. 422
I hosted a Facebook Live event about schools issuing PWNs during the shutdown. IF you wish to read more about this or watch the video instead, you can do so here: Extended School Closings | Some schools issuing PWNs as a Placement Change. 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 Pa...
Apr 20, 2020•31 min•Season 2020Ep. 423
Choosing my battles in this time of crisis. Coronavirus and School Closings | Will your child still receive IEP services? 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 Collec...
Mar 16, 2020•14 min•Season 2020Ep. 15
Part 2 of my discussion with Steve Jacobson from Jacobson and John, LLP. Oh my gosh, we covered so much! We talked about AT equipment out of school, before and after care programs, section 504, some hallmarks of bad IEPs and 504s and so much more. If you'd like to contact Jacobson and John, a special education law firm near Philadelphia , you can do so through that hyperlink. Support the show 📣Preorder my book 📣 Amazon Books-A-Million Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble ! More IEP help for you--at...
Mar 05, 2020•50 min•Season 2020Ep. 14
I'm talking IEPs, seizures, research and more with Monika Jones from the Brain Recovery Project. To learn more about: The Brain Recovery Project Our mission is simple: We help children reach their full potential after brain surgery to stop seizures The Brain Recovery Project: Childhood Epilepsy Surgery Foundation 969 Colorado Blvd. | Suite 101 | Los Angeles, CA 90041 We help kids reach their full potential after epilepsy surgery. Support the show 📣Preorder my book 📣 Amazon Books-A-Million Book...
Mar 03, 2020•33 min•Season 2020Ep. 12
I hate being the bearer of bad news. I really do. 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 11, 2020•19 min•Season 2020Ep. 10
Join me as I chat with Genia from GoodThingsInLife.org . We're talking about our kids' social roles , ableism, inclusion, tokenism, inspiration porn , chronic grief and so much more. Please note: This is much longer than most of my podcast episodes. I decided to leave it as one for those who are able to listen in one sitting. Here is the Power of Roles event she mentions in the podcast. Genia Stephen is a speaker, host of the Good Things In Life podcast , and founder of Good Things in Life which...
Feb 06, 2020•1 hr 10 min•Season 2020Ep. 11
Part 2 of my chat with Advocate Jackie Waldie from South Dakota. Jackie Waldie has been an advocate for 2 years. Prior to advocacy she was a 5th grade teacher for 12 years and obtained her Master's Degree in Education. Upon leaving teaching, she specialized in tutoring the Barton Method through Rapid City Dyslexic Care. She lives in Rapid City, South Dakota with her two wonderful children and husband. She advocates all over the state under the name Inspire Education at www.inspire1learning.com S...
Feb 04, 2020•40 min•Season 2020Ep. 8
I'm chatting with IEP Advocate Jackie Waldie about all things IEP, and what it's like to sit on both sides of the table. Jackie Waldie has been an advocate for 2 years. Prior to advocacy she was a 5th grade teacher for 12 years and obtained her Master's Degree in Education. Upon leaving teaching, she specialized in tutoring the Barton Method through Rapid City Dyslexic Care. She lives in Rapid City, South Dakota with her two wonderful children and husband. She advocates all over the state under ...
Jan 30, 2020•27 min•Season 2020Ep. 7
Part two of my discussion of post-secondary opportunities for kids with IEPs. Guest today is Eric Endlich, Ph.D., psychologist and founder of Top College Consultants ®, helps teens with special needs transition to college. He works with students worldwide. Colleges and Programs for Students with Learning Differences (video) Autism-Friendly College List Eric Endlich, Ph.D. (617) 515-3568 (cell) | (833) 932-7759 (toll free) Founder, Top College Consultants ® Serving the Full Spectrum of Learners L...
Jan 28, 2020•20 min•Season 2020Ep. 6
Part 1 of 2: I'm chatting with Eric Endlich of Top College Consultants. We're discussing post-secondary opportunities for kids with IEPs. You can find Eric at: Colleges and Programs for Students with Learning Differences (video) Autism-Friendly College List (617) 515-3568 (cell) | (833) 932-7759 (toll free) Top College Consultants ® Serving the Full Spectrum of Learners Like us on Facebook and connect with us on LinkedIn Support the show 📣Preorder my book 📣 Amazon Books-A-Million Bookshop.org ...
Jan 23, 2020•24 min•Season 2020Ep. 5
I'm chatting all things Special Education Advocacy with Patricia, a parent advocate from central Florida. The 7 things you need to become a Special Education Advocate. You can contact Patricia, she only works in the central Florida area, at [email protected]. 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...
Jan 16, 2020•31 min•Season 2020Ep. 3
Going over self-advocacy and having your child participate in the IEP process. Here is the blog post I reference: Why your child should attend their IEP meeting When should your child to participate in their own 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 f...
Jan 14, 2020•24 min•Season 2020Ep. 2
Grades and an IEP ...more chat to clarify some issues. 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!...
Nov 19, 2019•6 min
Does disability affect IEP placement ? 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!...
Nov 14, 2019•10 min
Tis the season for parent teacher conferences ...which can look a little different if your child has 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 Advocate your IEP Question 🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in...
Nov 12, 2019•14 min
