Don't IEP Alone.

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

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 explor...

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...

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...

IEP Data Collection-What does it look like? Who does it? How to get Meaningful IEP Data | Examples | Collection | Sheets Support the show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order my book

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 d...

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...

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 American...

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 con...

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 advocac...

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 app...

When parents request too many IEP meetings. Yes, that's a "thing" sometimes. Support the show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order my book

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 par...

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 Other ways I can help...

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

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 Penns...

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

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 O...

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...

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 disabil...

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...

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 p...

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 o...

In this episode of "Don't IEP Alone," special education advocate Lisa Lightner dives into the intricacies of IEPs and 504 plans, highlighting key red flags to watch out for in the process. From the misuse of 504 plans as an "IEP light" to language manipulation in accommodations and the crucial importance of a robust present level section, Lisa provides valuable insights fo...

In this episode of "Don't IEP Alone," Lisa Lightner delves into the complexities and personal challenges of navigating autism awareness and advocacy. As a dedicated advocate and parent to a child with autism, Lisa shares her journey of supporting her son, Kevin, from early diagnosis to adulthood. She passionately explores the impact of self-advocacy on the options available for indi...