Don't IEP Alone.

Placement Should Follow the IEP, Not Define It

More on: How IEP Placement WorksHow to Get an Out of District Placement on your IEPToday is last day for registration for Don't IEP Alone Academy. Don't IEP Alone

Least Restrictive Environment Isn’t Always General Education

More information about LRE and a graphic of the LRE continuum: Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) in IEPs: Placement Must Be Based on Progress, Not Labels. Registration

Training Parents to Ask Better IEP Questions

Registration is open now for a limited time. More information here: Special Education Advocacy Training Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate

When Advocacy Isn’t Changing Your Child’s IEP

Training Objections In this episode, Lisa Lightner tackles the objections parents often have about advocacy training: “I already speak up,” “I can find information onlin

Building IEP Advocacy Momentum Without Feeling Overwhelmed

Back-to-school season brings a familiar reminder: don’t wait for an IEP crisis to start paying attention. In this episode, the conversation explores why families shouldn

Responding to No at IEP Meetings: Questions Every Parent Should Ask

Welcome to "Don't IEP Alone." I’m your host, Lisa Lightner, special education advocate.  Get on the waitlist for my advocacy training. In today’s episode, we’re ta

Breaking the Myth: IEP Meetings Aren’t Where Success Happens

Welcome to "Don't IEP Alone" with Lisa Lightner, your go-to source for special education advocacy and support. In this episode, Lisa Lightner challenges a common bel

A Parent’s Guide to Back to School IEP Readiness

Welcome back to the Don't IEP Alone podcast! In this episode, Lisa Lightner dives into the realities of back-to-school season for parents navigating IEPs. She shares

Why "Gotcha!" is not an effective advocacy strategy.

You can be right. You can even prove you’re right. That doesn’t mean you’ll get what your child needs. Read instead of listen: Why “Gotcha” Doesn’t Win IEP Meetings.

What's the Most Imporant Part of the IEP?

If you have limited time and just want to know what to focus on quickly, which section of the IEP is the  most important? Support the show Other ways I can help you wit

Avoiding the February IEP Freakout: Proactive Tips for Parents

In this episode of Don't IEP Alone, Lisa Lightner shares why February can be a stressful month for IEP parents, what causes the annual "February freakout," and proac

Navigating Family Boundaries: Grief, Politics, and Advocacy

In this special episode of "Don't IEP Alone," Lisa Lightner shares her personal journey of setting boundaries with family amid political and social divides, especial

New Year, Fresh IEP Data: How to Track Progress and Advocate Effectively

In this episode of Don't IEP Alone, host Lisa Lightner shares actionable tips for parents on IEP data collection after the holiday break. Learn how to track skills a

They Used a REED to Skip Testing? Yeah, Let’s Talk About That…

🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 Every question is answered by an advocate--Join A Community of Parents and Advocates who "get it": https://village.adayinourshoes.com  🔴 IEP Transition Workshop

They Don’t Have to Train You...Unless You Ask. 🙄

 No, the School Isn’t Going to Offer Training (Unless You Demand It)  🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉https://dontiepalone.com/iep-progress/ 🚀 Sign Up for Special

The School Suspended Your Child. Now What?

How to Prepare for an IEP Manifestation Determination Hearing at School. 🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉https://dontiepalone.com/iep-progress/ 🚀 Sign Up for Spec

What am I doing differently as an advocate right now? Lemme tell you...

Times are different, and challenging. Here's what I'm doing a little bit differently. Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate Thank yo

12 Tips for Special Education Parent-Teacher Conferences

Welcome to "Don't IEP Alone," the podcast that provides support and guidance for parents navigating the world of Individualized Education Programs.  In today's

As Jerry Springer would say-- take care of yourselves, and each other.

When one door closes, another opens. Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate Thank you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you

ADHD Month means Executive Functioning Chats

Executive functioning-- always a popular topic. 🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉https://dontiepalone.com/iep-progress/ 🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Tr