Lisa Lightner

Don't IEP Alone.

Inspired by her own son with disabilities, Lisa Lightner is an award-winning blogger and advocate. She has previously worked for her county's Arc and has served on the Boards of Directors for several disability organizations.  Currently, she is her county's chairperson for the Right to Education Task Force, a federally decreed group set up in 1971 to ensure that all children in Pennsylvania had the opportunity to an education.  When not attending IEP meetings with families or lobbying in Harrisburg and DC for disability rights, she can be found on the web at her IEP advice blog, A Day in our S...

Author

Lisa Lightner

Category

Education

Podcast website

adayinourshoes.com

Latest episode

Feb 13, 2026

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Episodes

Who can I bring to my IEP Meeting? 09.04.2025

Who attends an IEP Meeting ? Who can you invite? Who should you invite? Support the show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order my book

Navigating Social Skills and IEP Challenges in Special Education 08.04.2025

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...

Gawd I hate April. 04.04.2025

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

"What's the one piece of advice you have?" 03.04.2025

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

It's April-ACL, flash sale and more 02.04.2025

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...

Let's Rethink Autism Advocacy: Beyond the Puzzle Piece Debate 01.04.2025

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&apo...

Responding to RFK Jr's Plan to Eliminate the Administration for Community Living 31.03.2025

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 o...

How to Advocate for IEPs Amid Political Shifts 25.03.2025

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 speci...

Why Dismantling the Department of Education Actually Weakens State Rights 19.03.2025

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...

Understanding GEPA: How Federal Overreach in Education Funding Violates a 50-Year-Old Law 11.03.2025

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...

The Parent Concerns Letter for your IEP 04.03.2025

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

Why did they do that? 27.02.2025

Why did {the school} do that? Why? Answering this age old question. Support the show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order my book

ESY-Extended School Year and IEPs 26.02.2025

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

Can I uninvite someone from my IEP meeting? 25.02.2025

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

504s are being overused. 25.02.2025

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

Why Public Education Isn't a Customer Service Model Explained 18.02.2025

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...

Super Bowl Joy and Political Turmoil: A Balancing Act 07.02.2025

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...

Understanding the Impact of Potential Changes to Department of Education on Special Needs 05.02.2025

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 05.02.2025

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

Breaking Down Barriers: Janice Lloyd Discusses Remediation and Support for Dyslexic Students 04.02.2025

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...

Standing Up for Special Education Amidst Political Changes 03.02.2025

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...

How Federal Spending Freeze Affects Disabled Kids' Health Care 29.01.2025

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...

Bonus Episode: IEP Goal Banks and Parent-Teacher Conferences with an IEP 23.01.2025

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...

Speaking Up for My Son's Needs Amid Controversial Autism Narratives 22.01.2025

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...

Three Essential IEP Tasks for Parents Right Now 21.01.2025

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...

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