Don't IEP Alone.

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...

In this episode of "Don't IEP Alone," Lisa Lightner addresses the challenges of navigating behavior issues and suspensions in the school setting, particularly as the end of the school year approaches. She highlights the need to address the core issues behind a child's behavior and emphasizes the importance of engaging the child in finding solutions.  Lisa acknowledges the compl...

In this episode of Don't IEP Alone, Lisa Lightner dives into the complex and often misunderstood topic of behavior in the school setting. She discusses the evolution of functional behavior assessments and behavior improvement plans over the years, shedding light on the flaws and misconceptions surrounding these processes.  Lisa shares real-life examples of children struggling with behaviors i...

Welcome to "Don't IEP Alone," the podcast that provides support and guidance for parents navigating the world of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and special education. In today's episode titled, we dive into the essential concept of Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and its significance in the IEP process. Host Lisa Lightner, a seasoned advocate and parent,...

Welcome to "Don't IEP Alone," the podcast that provides empowering and informative content for parents navigating the complex world of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).  In this episode, Lisa dives into the fundamental question, "What is an IEP?" Expert advocate Lisa breaks down the intricacies of IEPs, shedding light on their significance, the legal framework, and...

Read it instead: Can Students be Excluded from Field Trips for Behavior ? Sale I mention in episode: https://adayinourshoes.org/dont-iep-alone-academy/ Welcome to another episode of "Don't IEP Alone," where we discuss all things related to Individualized Education Plans. Today, our host Lisa Lightner delves into the controversial topic of excluding disabled students from field trips...

In this episode of "Don't IEP Alone," we're diving into the essential topic of organizing your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) paperwork. Host Lisa Lightner shares her firsthand experience and expertise, having worked on developing her own IEP organizer for over a decade.  From useful tips on creating a thorough IEP planner to the benefits of quarterly updat...

Welcome to "Don't IEP Alone," the podcast that provides support and resources for parents navigating the world of Individualized Education Programs. In today's episode, "The Power of Words: Dyslexia Writing Solutions with Russell Van Brocklen," we delve into the challenges faced by dyslexic students and explore innovative methods for improving their writing skills. Ou...

Welcome to  "Don't IEP Alone." In this episode, we delve into the topic of regression, a concern many parents face when it comes to their child's education. Our expert speakers, Lisa Lightner and Monica McHale from the @Learning Disabilities Association of America, offer valuable insights and practical advice for parents navigating the challenges of regression, especially amids...

Welcome to the "Don't IEP Alone" podcast. In today's episode, we delve into the fascinating and often misunderstood world of ADHD. Our host engages in a dynamic conversation with a renowned pediatric neurologist Dr. Sarah Cheyette, specializing in ADHD, who shares invaluable expertise and practical guidance. From the impact of medication to non-medication strategies, the necess...

Welcome to the "Don't IEP Alone" podcast with Lisa Lightner, where we bring you expert insights and strategies to support your child's educational journey. In today's episode, "The Role of Executive Functioning in Learning Unveiling Strategies with Tera Sumpter, SLP," we delve into the crucial role of executive functioning in learning and unveil practical strateg...

In this episode of Don't IEP Alone, host Lisa Lightner interviews Julie Walters from The Connected Parent. Julie shares her journey as a neurodivergent parent raising two children with IEPs and how her experiences led her to create The Connected Parent, a national online platform that connects families with disability-related services and resources.  Julie offers insight into the challenges o...