Don't IEP Alone.
Lisa Lightner
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 Shoes. She is known for her practical, realistic and implementable advice for parents.
Warning: I've been told I have a Philly accent. I don't hear it. Also, I curse. It's something I'm working on as far as personal development. So please don't be put off. I'm trying.
📣 Exciting News! You can now preorder my book on Amazon, Books-A-Million, Bookshop.org or Barnes & Noble! 📣
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Top 10 Don't IEP Alone. Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Don't IEP Alone. episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Don't IEP Alone. for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Don't IEP Alone. episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
IEE-Independent Education Evaluations
Don't IEP Alone.
04/03/19 • 21 min
What parents need to know about IEEs-Independent Education Evaluations. When and how to ask for one, what criteria to use to ask for one and what to do once you've received an IEE report.
📣 Exciting News! You can now preorder my book on Amazon, Books-A-Million, Bookshop.org or Barnes & Noble! 📣
📚 Bookshop.org has it on sale! 📚
More IEP help for you--at home or at school--
📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)
☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents
🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question
🧰 ...
1 Listener
09/28/23 • 66 min
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 "flowers" that bloom when there is a strong foundation of roots and stems.
One of the key themes discussed in this episode is the crucial role of perception and awareness in building a strong root system, followed by attention and other essential skills in the stem. Tera also delves into the importance of choosing a highly recommended professional to assess executive function and suggests that a dynamic assessment, which includes observing performance and processing in different domains, is the most effective approach.
Listen in as Tera shares tips for fostering foresight, understanding nonverbal working memory, and the significance of a team approach in addressing executive functioning difficulties.
We also explore the connection between executive function and various specialties, such as speech and language development, literacy, mathematics, and emotional regulation. Tera offers invaluable insights for parents, educators, and professionals, stressing the need for knowledge and integration of executive function into everyday practices.
Additionally, Tera provides practical strategies for supporting executive function development in and outside the classroom. So, whether you're a parent seeking guidance, an advocate for change, or simply interested in understanding executive functioning better, this episode is a must-listen. Stay tuned!
Here are the resources we discussed:
- Tera's
Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate
The IEP process never gets easier. YOU get better.
How? With specific action steps and training.
Visit ADayInOurShoes.org for more information.
Thank you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time!
📣 Exciting News! You can now preorder my book on Amazon, Books-A-Million, Bookshop.org or Barnes & Noble! 📣
📚 Bookshop.org has it on sale! 📚
More IEP help for you--at home or at school--
📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)
☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents
🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question
🧰 ...
Finding Practical Solutions for Disabled Professionals: A Discussion with Ariadne Wolf
Don't IEP Alone.
10/11/23 • 28 min
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 of Oregon, using her experiences to enhance her skills in communication and relationship-building. Throughout her journey, she encountered the Amber Heard trial, drawing parallels between her own experiences and the challenges faced by individuals facing the daunting task of sharing personal stories before an audience. Motivated by her personal growth and advocacy work, Ariadne recognized a gap in the support system available to individuals navigating accessibility needs, realizing that legal assistance often falls short in providing the necessary empathy and guidance. She believes a trauma-informed and communication-focused approach, with an emphasis on maintaining relationships, is essential in creating safe and inclusive spaces for individuals with disabilities. Ariadne's passion for storytelling and advocacy drives her mission to empower others and foster understanding and support within the disabled community.
For more information or to contact Ariadne, please visit:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariadne-wolf-73a341180/
https://ariadnewolfdotcom.wordpress.com/
Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate
The IEP process never gets easier. YOU get better.
How? With specific action steps and training.
Visit ADayInOurShoes.org for more information.
Thank you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time!
📣 Exciting News! You can now preorder my book on Amazon, Books-A-Million, Bookshop.org or Barnes & Noble! 📣
📚 Bookshop.org has it on sale! 📚
More IEP help for you--at home or at school--
📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)
☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents
🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question
🧰 ...
Dealing with Challenging Behaviors
Don't IEP Alone.
04/21/20 • 60 min
I'm chatting with Dr. Amanda Kelly, aka BehaviorBabe, about dealing with your child's challenging behaviors. This is an audio file from a Facebook Live event that we did together. If you prefer to read the transcript or watch the video, you can do so here:
How to Manage your Child’s Difficult and Challenging Behaviors at Home.
Support the showParents are the IEP Police
Don't IEP Alone.
11/30/23 • 16 min
Welcome to "Don't IEP Alone" with your host, Lisa Lightner. If you're navigating the world of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and special education, this podcast is your go-to resource.
In this episode, Lisa delves into the intriguing concept of parents as the IEP police. Drawing from her own experiences as a former special education compliance monitor in Pennsylvania, she unveils the inner workings of the compliance monitoring process and sheds light on the limitations it presents.
As Lisa passionately shares her insights, she reveals the disconnect between the administrative checkboxes of compliance monitoring and the actual substance of education. The podcast explores the challenges faced by parents, highlighting the critical role they play in advocating for their children's meaningful progress within the IEP system.
From the intricacies of compliance audits to the lack of focus on outcomes and meaningful participation, Lisa challenges the status quo and calls on parents nationwide to become proactive advocates. She emphasizes the need for collective understanding and action to bring about much-needed change in special education.
With a blend of personal anecdotes, expert interviews, and practical advice, "Don't IEP Alone" is more than a podcast—it's a community for parents navigating the complexities of the special education system. Join Lisa as she empowers parents to be informed, engaged, and proactive advocates for their children's education and future. Tune in and be part of the movement to reshape the narrative around IEPs and special education.
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!
📣 Exciting News! You can now preorder my book on Amazon, Books-A-Million, Bookshop.org or Barnes & Noble! 📣
📚 Bookshop.org has it on sale! 📚
More IEP help for you--at home or at school--
📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)
☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents
🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question
🧰 ...
PWN-If you don't know it, you should!
Don't IEP Alone.
04/23/25 • 17 min
Too many parents don't know what a PWN is, yet it is one of the most important parts of the IEP process.
I call it the "little known game changer" in the IEP process.
Listen to find out what it is and how to use it.
📣 Exciting News! You can now preorder my book on Amazon, Books-A-Million, Bookshop.org or Barnes & Noble! 📣
📚 Bookshop.org has it on sale! 📚
More IEP help for you--at home or at school--
📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)
☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents
🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question
🧰 ...
04/16/24 • 17 min
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 complexities faced by parents and teachers, especially in the current climate, and offers practical advice on advocating for your child within the IEP process. She encourages listeners to educate themselves on their rights and discusses the significance of documentation in effectively addressing behavior concerns.
Join us as we delve into strategies for helping children with behavioral challenges thrive within the school environment.
https://adayinourshoes.org/
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!
📣 Exciting News! You can now preorder my book on Amazon, Books-A-Million, Bookshop.org or Barnes & Noble! 📣
📚 Bookshop.org has it on sale! 📚
More IEP help for you--at home or at school--
📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)
☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents
🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question
🧰 ...
504s are being overused.
Don't IEP Alone.
02/25/25 • 8 min
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?
📣 Exciting News! You can now preorder my book on Amazon, Books-A-Million, Bookshop.org or Barnes & Noble! 📣
📚 Bookshop.org has it on sale! 📚
More IEP help for you--at home or at school--
📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)
☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents
🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question
🧰 ...
Living with ADHD with Dr. Sarah Cheyette, Pediatric Neurologist
Don't IEP Alone.
12/17/24 • 52 min
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
📣 Exciting News! You can now preorder my book on Amazon, Books-A-Million, Bookshop.org or Barnes & Noble! 📣
📚 Bookshop.org has it on sale! 📚
More IEP help for you--at home or at school--
📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)
☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents
🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question
🧰 ...
Chatting with Nicole Santiago from Family ADDventures
Don't IEP Alone.
12/07/23 • 26 min
Welcome to another empowering episode of the "Don't IEP Alone" podcast! I'm your host, Lisa Lightner, and today, I am thrilled to have a special guest, Nicole Santiago, from Family Adventures. Nicole shares her incredible journey, transitioning from a dedicated Spanish teacher to becoming an advocate for children with diverse learning needs, driven by personal experiences with her own three children, each facing unique challenges.
In this episode, we delve into Nicole's inspiring advocacy work, from her experiences in the education system to her unexpected role in training the San Antonio Police Department on understanding and responding to individuals with neurodivergent needs. Nicole's commitment to breaking down barriers and keeping children out of the school-to-prison pipeline is truly commendable.
We also explore her involvement in supporting a family facing challenges with their church, highlighting the ongoing struggle for inclusivity and understanding within religious communities. Nicole's insights into the complexities of advocating for neurodivergent individuals offer valuable lessons for listeners passionate about making a positive impact.
Tune in, connect with Nicole:
https://familyaddventures.com/
https://twitter.com/famADDventures
https://www.facebook.com/familyADDventures
https://www.instagram.com/familyaddventures/
If you've ever wondered about stepping into advocacy or are seeking inspiration for your journey, this episode is a must-listen. Remember, you don't have to navigate the world of IEPs alone!
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!
📣 Exciting News! You can now preorder my book on Amazon, Books-A-Million, Bookshop.org or Barnes & Noble! 📣
📚 Bookshop.org has it on sale! 📚
More IEP help for you--at home or at school--
📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)
☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents
🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question
🧰 ...
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FAQ
How many episodes does Don't IEP Alone. have?
Don't IEP Alone. currently has 173 episodes available.
What topics does Don't IEP Alone. cover?
The podcast is about Mom, Kids & Family, School, How To, Podcasts, Education and Autism.
What is the most popular episode on Don't IEP Alone.?
The episode title 'IEE-Independent Education Evaluations' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Don't IEP Alone.?
The average episode length on Don't IEP Alone. is 23 minutes.
How often are episodes of Don't IEP Alone. released?
Episodes of Don't IEP Alone. are typically released every 3 days.
When was the first episode of Don't IEP Alone.?
The first episode of Don't IEP Alone. was released on Feb 21, 2019.
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