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.

#23 in the Top 100 autism All time chart

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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.

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Other ways I can help you with IEPs:📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets
📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents
☑️ IEP Meeting Preparation Kit
🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents
👩‍💻 Online Advocacy Training
🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question
🧰 IEP Teacher Toolkit

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Dear Desperate Southwest Mom

Don't IEP Alone.

09/05/19 • 13 min

A mom in Arizona is having trouble getting IEP evaluations.
Blog posts referenced in chat:
Charter Schools and Special Education
How to Request IEP Evaluations

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How to Organize your IEP Work

Don't IEP Alone.

02/22/24 • 14 min

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 updates and goal tracking, this episode offers practical advice to help parents become more effective advocates for their children. Stay tuned to learn how taking control of your IEP paperwork can make a significant difference in navigating the education system for children with special needs.
www.adayinourshoes.com

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!

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Conversations with Child Psychologist Elliott Jaffa: Navigating Teen Behavior and Building People Skills

Don't IEP Alone.

09/27/23 • 29 min

Elliott Jaffa
Dr. Elliott B. Jaffa Associates
Arlington, VA
[email protected]
703-931-0040
00:02:15 The goal is to catch kids being good. Ask what they learned instead of "how was school?" Praise observable behaviors, not physical appearance. Parents struggle with the language of positivity.
00:06:18 The speaker asks an easy question, but with language restrictions. They then ask if the listener's hand is bleeding, questioning the validity of the question.
00:09:34 Cows drink water, not milk. The focus should be on positive communication and listening with children.
00:12:42 A therapist challenges children to quit school and express their dislike towards teachers and principals.
00:17:56 Author dislikes phone use while driving; suggests penalties for hitting pedestrians distracted by phones. Author also dislikes phone use during business meetings; prefers clients who are not attached to their phones. Author personally does not use phone much, except for emergencies or coordinating plans. Recommends using phones for educational purposes.
00:20:19 The text discusses using the internet to learn and earn phone time for educational purposes.
00:23:35 The author discusses their interactions with children and the impact of their conversations.
00:27:37 The speaker plans to provide information on how to find doctor Jaffa through a podcast listing, email, and Facebook.

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!

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Nurturing Executive Functioning Skills: A Deep Dive with Tera Sumpter, SLP

Don't IEP Alone.

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 online educational network. This is my best resource for learning about EF, EF assessment and EF intervention for parents and professionals. https://community.terasumpter.com/
Her book, The Seeds of Learning is below.
Her Instagram account: @terasumpter_slp
Her Facebook page: Seeds of Learning, LLC
Her blog: https://terasumpter.com/blog

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!

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The Power of Connection: Supporting Children with Social and Emotional Needs with Maria Slavin Part 2

Don't IEP Alone.

01/18/24 • 17 min

Welcome back to Don't IEP Alone! In today's episode, we have Maria Slavin, the Founder of In-Sync and Social, LLC, and Exceptional Moms Coaching, with over 20 years of experience in occupational therapy. As a trusted clinical and educational consultant in the Philadelphia area, Maria specializes in social-emotional learning and self-regulation, offering a combined sensory and behavioral approach through her private practice. A certified life and executive coach, Maria is dedicated to helping individuals of all ages and abilities develop emotional intelligence and thrive in meaningful relationships at home, work, and in the community.
We delve into the world of social-emotional learning and the challenges and triumphs of parenting children with diverse needs. Maria and I share our expertise and personal experiences, discussing the importance of nurturing emotional intelligence in children, the struggles faced by parents and children with ADHD and autism, and the necessity of meaningful connections for children who struggle socially.
We offer practical advice on supporting children's social and emotional development and navigating the complexities of parenting, all while emphasizing the vital role of co-regulation and self-regulation in creating a positive, encouraging environment for children.
Join us as we explore the nuances of social-emotional learning and the impactful strategies for supporting children with diverse needs in educational and social settings.
You can find Maria on:
Website: https://insyncandsocial.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-slavin-6b254427
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/insyncandsocial/

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!

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Related Services

Don't IEP Alone.

06/10/19 • 15 min

The related services section of the IEP-what parents should know.

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Managing Challenging Behaviors in Kids: Tips for Parents and Educators

Don't IEP Alone.

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!

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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.

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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!

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FAQ

How many episodes does Don't IEP Alone. have?

Don't IEP Alone. currently has 158 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 24 minutes.

How often are episodes of Don't IEP Alone. released?

Episodes of Don't IEP Alone. are typically released every 2 days, 23 hours.

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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Don't IEP Alone.

Lisa Lightner

Top 10 Don't IEP Alone. Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Don't IEP Alone. have?

What topics does Don't IEP Alone. cover?

What is the most popular episode on Don't IEP Alone.?

What is the average episode length on Don't IEP Alone.?

How often are episodes of Don't IEP Alone. released?

When was the first episode of Don't IEP Alone.?

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