Don't IEP Alone.

In this episode of Don’t IEP Alone , Lisa Lightner clears up what she means when she criticizes generative AI and ChatGPT. She explains why concerns about privacy, content theft, environmental costs, and inaccurate information matter to families navigating IEPs. Lisa Lightner also challenges the idea that ChatGPT can replace an advocate. AI can only respond to the information you provide, it may m...

When a child’s behavior increases, the usual response is often to revisit the FBA or behavior plan. But Lisa Lightner argues that teams should first step back and examine the IEP itself. Are all of the child’s needs being met? Are evaluations missing something? Is the IEP being implemented with fidelity? Special Education Advocate Lisa Lightner explains why she now approaches behavior concerns dif...

Related: What Can I Ask for on an IEP ? And How do I Get the Team to Agree? Schedule a consult for personalized assistance . 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 Other ways I can help you with IEPs:  📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review G...

More on: How IEP Placement Works How to Get an Out of District Placement on your IEP Today is last day for registration for Don't IEP Alone Academy . 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 Other ways I can help you with IEPs:  📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a...

More information about LRE and a graphic of the LRE continuum: Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) in IEPs: Placement Must Be Based on Progress, Not Labels. Registration is OPEN NOW for   Don't IEP Alone Academy . 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 Other ways I can help...

Registration is open now for a limited time. More information here:  Special Education Advocacy Training 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 Other ways I can help you with IEPs:  📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist f...

Training Objections In this episode, Lisa Lightner tackles the objections parents often have about advocacy training: “I already speak up,” “I can find information online,” and “I don’t have time.” Her point is direct: knowing your child’s rights isn’t enough. Parents also need to know how to apply those rights, use documentation and data, and move an IEP team toward yes.  At 03:25, Lisa Lightner...

Back-to-school season brings a familiar reminder: don’t wait for an IEP crisis to start paying attention. In this episode, the conversation explores why families shouldn’t wait until Thanksgiving to discover that services aren’t being delivered or progress isn’t happening 02:35. A key theme that emerged is that advocacy doesn’t require one dramatic meeting or hours of research. It can look like fo...

Welcome to "Don't IEP Alone." I’m your host, Lisa Lightner, special education advocate.  Get on the waitlist for my advocacy training . In today’s episode, we’re tackling one of the toughest parts of advocating for your child in IEP meetings: how to respond when the team tells you "no." Lisa Lightner opens up about her early fears of rejection and how hearing "no&quot...

Welcome to "Don't IEP Alone" with Lisa Lightner, your go-to source for special education advocacy and support. In this episode, Lisa Lightner challenges a common belief among parents and advocates: the idea that IEP meetings are the most important part of the special education process.  Drawing from her years of experience, Lisa Lightner explains why the real work—and true advocacy...

Welcome back to the Don't IEP Alone podcast! In this episode, Lisa Lightner dives into the realities of back-to-school season for parents navigating IEPs . She shares strategies to help you get organized before classes begin, including a game-changing new approach to reading and understanding your child’s IEP.  Whether your summer break is winding down or you’re already prepping backpacks, Li...

You can be right. You can even prove you’re right. That doesn’t mean you’ll get what your child needs. Read instead of listen: Why “Gotcha” Doesn’t Win IEP Meetings. related content: Is My Child Receiving FAPE? What It Actually Looks Like in Real Life. Take the online special education advocacy training (what DOES win IEP meetings!) Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate Th...

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 Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order my book

In this episode of Don't IEP Alone, Lisa Lightner shares why February can be a stressful month for IEP parents, what causes the annual "February freakout," and proactive steps you can take now to better advocate for your child. Get essential advice on IEP renewals, kindergarten and transition webinars, progress monitoring, and how to avoid last-minute panic as spring approaches. All...

In this special episode of "Don't IEP Alone," Lisa Lightner shares her personal journey of setting boundaries with family amid political and social divides, especially as a special needs parent and advocate. She discusses the grief of lost relationships, the importance of protecting your energy, and how the disability community can find support and understanding—even when it means c...

In this episode of Don't IEP Alone, host Lisa Lightner shares actionable tips for parents on IEP data collection after the holiday break. Learn how to track skills at home, compare school reports, and use documentation to advocate for your child’s needs. Plus, discover new IEP toolkits and resources to start your year empowered! 🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉 https://dontiepalone.co...

🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 Every question is answered by an advocate--Join A Community of Parents and Advocates who "get it": https://village.adayinourshoes.com   🔴 IEP Transition Workshop Series:   adayinourshoes.com/iep-transition-workshops/   🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Training: 👉    dontiepalone.com/online-special-education-...   ⚠️More on IEP Transition Planning:   adayinourshoes...

 No, the School Isn’t Going to Offer Training (Unless You Demand It)  🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉 https://dontiepalone.com/iep-progress/ 🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Training: 👉   https://dontiepalone.com/online-special-education-advocacy-training/ ⚠️More on IEP Progress Monitoring: https://adayinourshoes.com/how-to-monitor-iep-progress-for-parents/ 🎯 Free IEP Goal Trac...

How to Prepare for an IEP Manifestation Determination Hearing at School . 🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉 https://dontiepalone.com/iep-progress/ 🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Training: 👉   https://dontiepalone.com/online-special-education-advocacy-training/ ⚠️More on FAPE: https://adayinourshoes.com/fape/ 🎯 Free IEP Binder for Parents: https://adayinourshoes.com/free-iep-bin...

Times are different, and challenging. Here's what I'm doing a little bit differently. 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 Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order my book

Welcome to "Don't IEP Alone," the podcast that provides support and guidance for parents navigating the world of Individualized Education Programs.  In today's episode, we'll be sharing 12 valuable tips for special education parent-teacher conferences during IEP season. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to this journey, these insights will help you approach the...

When one door closes, another opens. 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 Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order my book

Executive functioning-- always a popular topic. 🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉 https://dontiepalone.com/iep-progress/ 🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Training: 👉   https://dontiepalone.com/online-special-education-advocacy-training/ ⚠️More on FAPE: https://adayinourshoes.com/fape/ 🎯 Free IEP Binder for Parents: https://adayinourshoes.com/free-iep-binder/ https://Facebook.com/...

Mentioned in Episode: OSERS Has Been Dismantled: What This Means for Disabled Adults and Their Families. OSEP Is Gone: What It Means for Your Child’s IEP and What Parents Must Do Now. 🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉 https://dontiepalone.com/iep-progress/ 🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Training: 👉   https://dontiepalone.com/online-special-education-advocacy-training/ ⚠️More on...

Going off topic for a moment... but trust matters! 🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉 https://dontiepalone.com/iep-progress/ 🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Training: 👉   https://dontiepalone.com/online-special-education-advocacy-training/ ⚠️More on FAPE: https://adayinourshoes.com/fape/ 🎯 Free IEP Binder for Parents: https://adayinourshoes.com/free-iep-binder/ https://Facebook.c...