Don't IEP Alone.

May 07 2024 149 ep. 23 mins 112
Don't IEP Alone. Podcast artwork

I attend IEP meetings for a living and you just can't compete with that level of crazy.

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.

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.

  Education  Kids & Family
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The Importance of Being Proactive in Your Child's IEP Process This Summer

May 07 2024 14 mins  
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

IEP Process Flowchart: Understanding Timelines and Effective Advocacy Strategies

Apr 30 2024 21 mins  
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

Red Flags in IEP and 504 Plans

Apr 23 2024 17 mins  
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 for parents

Autism Awareness: A Parent's Journey and Advocacy Efforts for Their Child's Needs

Apr 18 2024 29 mins  
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 ind

Managing Challenging Behaviors in Kids: Tips for Parents and Educators

Apr 16 2024 17 mins  
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 complexiti

Behavior

Apr 09 2024 20 mins  
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 b

Things to Know About FAPE

Apr 02 2024 13 mins  
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, shed

What is an IEP?

Mar 26 2024 11 mins  
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 the cruci

School Field Trips: Advocacy Tips for Challenging Exclusions Based on Disability

Feb 28 2024 26 mins  
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.

How to Organize your IEP Work

Feb 22 2024 14 mins  
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 goa