From Phone Calls to Handwritten Letters: Tips to Make Legislators Listen on Issues
Don't IEP Alone.
Welcome back to the Don't IEP Alone podcast with Lisa Lightner! In today’s episode, Lisa dives into the importance of contacting your representatives—even if you sometimes feel like your voice won’t make a difference. Drawing from her own advocacy experiences and conversations with legislators, Lisa explains why it’s crucial for constituents to reach out, share their stories, and hold elected officials accountable, even in districts where the odds seem stacked against you.
She also shares actionable tips on how to increase the impact of your outreach—whether through heartfelt phone calls, original emails, or handwritten letters—and encourages persistence and creativity when engaging with policymakers. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just beginning your journey, Lisa’s insights will help empower you to make your voice heard for the special education community. Be sure to visit dontiepalone.com and adayinarshoes.com for more resources.
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!
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
Reviving Parent Groups: The Old and New of Special Ed Advocacy
Don't IEP Alone.
Welcome back to Don't IEP Alone! In this episode, host Lisa Lightner shares a heartfelt update from the thick of summer, reminding parents to communicate their children's special health needs—like temperature regulation—to their IEP teams. Lisa dives into some unique Pennsylvania special education history, spotlighting the origins of IEPs and the creation of "intermediate units" and local task forces that advocate for families. She reflects on her experiences leading one of these groups, the ongoing challenges in keeping parents engaged, and the vital role these task forces play in supporting special education.
This week, Lisa also shares her recent advocacy efforts, including an important conversation with her local Congresswoman about Medicaid and HCBS services. The big takeaway? Your voice matters—even if your district feels impossible to influence. Lisa encourages everyone to keep reaching out to policymakers because persistent advocacy does make a difference, especially as we head into a pivotal year for policy and representation. Stick around for practical advocacy advice, a dash of inspiration, and a reminder to check out the new Don't IEP Alone website for more tools and training. Stay cool and enjoy the episode!
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!
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
Medical Records and the IEP
Don't IEP Alone.
The school has asked for access to your child's medical records. Now what?
Do I have to share my child’s medical records with the IEP team?
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
Is ESY starting this week? And, yeah, the Medicaid thing.
Don't IEP 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!
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
Our advocacy is not enough.
Don't IEP Alone.
And hey, my book is on sale today at Barnes & Noble!
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!
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
IEE-Independent Education Evaluations
Don't IEP Alone.
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.
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
Should you hire an IEP Advocate?
Don't IEP Alone.
Hiring an IEP advocate or Special Education Advocate is a tough decision. Here are some things to consider before you take the plunge.
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
A 13th and 14th year?
Don't IEP Alone.
Students with IEPs can continue in public schools until ages 19 or even 25. But should they? And who decides?
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
🚨 Medicaid Cuts, Advocacy, and Why We Can’t Stay Silent 🚨
Don't IEP Alone.
A bill just passed in the House that could mean big cuts to Medicaid—even though the word Medicaid isn’t in it. Sound sneaky? That’s because it is.
In this episode, I’m breaking down:
✅ What this bill actually does
✅ The myths about Medicaid fraud that keep getting repeated (and why they’re bogus)
✅ Why we must take action—today, not tomorrow
✅ How to call, email, and visit your senator to make your voice heard
Our kids need us to fight for them. No one is coming to save us—it’s on us to push back. We are NOT the minority. The majority of Americans are fed up, and it’s time to act.
🔗 Links to scripts, templates, and resources: https://adayinourshoes.com/medicaid-cuts/
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!
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
Do this now. Thank me later.
Don't IEP 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!
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
From Entitlement to Eligibility: The Wake-Up Call Special Needs Parents Usually Aren't Expecting.
Don't IEP Alone.
From Entitlement to Eligibility: The Wake-Up Call Special Needs Parents Usually Aren't Expecting.
It's important for parents, especially if your child has a lot of needs, that you understand this concept as you move to adult services.
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!
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
One last bit of ESY advice before summer starts
Don't IEP 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!
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
You'd know if your child was having seizures, right? Maybe not!
Don't IEP Alone.
Did you know that 1/3 of all kids with autism develop seizures?
I've got a lot of mom guilt and "shoulda, coulda, woulda" surrounding my son's seizure condition. Here's what to look for and where to get more information.
What you need to know if your child is at risk for developing seizures.
Read the blog post: 6 Things I wish I'd been told about my son's seizure risk.
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
Congress Meets at 1 AM--what are they hiding?
Don't IEP Alone.
The budget to cut Medicaid was discussed last night at 1 am. Details, thoughts, and action items.
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!
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
Atlantic City Observations: Why Early Support for Kids With IEPs Matters
Don't IEP Alone.
Welcome to another episode of Don't IEP Alone with your host, Lisa Lightner. In today’s deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, Lisa reflects on a recent visit to Atlantic City and uses her experience walking its streets as a lens to examine larger issues surrounding disability, mental health, addiction, and the consequences of societal neglect. Drawing from her years of advocacy and firsthand stories from clients, Lisa explores the troubling connections between learning disabilities, lack of support, and the increased risks of addiction and incarceration. She poses a heartfelt question—"Who failed you?"—as she considers the people society often overlooks and urges listeners to recognize the critical importance of early intervention and meaningful support. With a blend of real-world observation and compassionate insight, Lisa calls on parents and advocates to fight harder for these vulnerable children, reminding us that we must refuse to accept bleak outcomes for kids with special needs. Tune in for a candid conversation that is sure to inspire action and empathy.
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!
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
From ESY Struggles to Graduation Emotions: Holding Space for Special Needs Parents
Don't IEP Alone.
Get the book: https://adayinourshoes.com/book/
Welcome back to Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner! As we approach the end of the school year, Lisa dives into the home stretch with timely advice for families navigating IEPs, particularly around Extended School Year (ESY) services. In this candid and heartfelt episode, Lisa shares her personal experiences as a special needs parent, reflecting on making choices about ESY programs, the emotional nuances of milestones like graduation, and the unique challenges faced by families with disabled or neurodiverse children.
Lisa also addresses some of the current divisions within the autism and disability communities, emphasizing the need for real advocacy over social media arguments, and shares updates on valuable resources like her free life skills virtual camp, upcoming webinars, and new toolkit mini-courses for both parents and teachers. Whether you’re figuring out summer plans or feeling the weight of this season, Lisa reminds us that you’re not alone, offering encouragement, practical tips, and a dose of solidarity for everyone in this space.
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!
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
Breaking Down RFK, Dr. Oz, Executive Orders, and the Supreme Court: Big IEP Headlines Explained
Don't IEP Alone.
Don't miss: https://adayinourshoes.com/book/
Welcome back to “Don’t IEP Alone” with Lisa Lightner, your go-to podcast for all things IEPs and special education advocacy. In today’s episode, Lisa dives into a whirlwind week packed with high-profile statements, policy updates, and a Supreme Court case that could have far-reaching implications for families of children with disabilities.
Lisa breaks down the controversial comments made by RFK Jr. about autistic individuals, reacts to Dr. Oz’s take on public health, and explains what a new executive order on school discipline could mean for your child. She also sheds light on an important Supreme Court case involving IEP disputes, examining what’s really at stake for families seeking justice and effective support.
Tune in as Lisa untangles this busy week in advocacy, offers practical advice on taking action, and shares some personal updates—including exciting news about her book. As always, it’s the candid, straight-shooting conversation you can count on to help you navigate the often-complex world of 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!
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
Challenging Stigma: Autism, Family Life, and Confronting Harmful Narratives
Don't IEP Alone.
Welcome back to Don’t IEP Alone, your go-to podcast for real talk about IEPs, advocacy, and navigating the world of special education. I’m your host, Lisa Lightner, and in today’s episode, I’m catching you up on some big updates—like the release of my very first book coming out this October (and yes, you can already pre-order it!). I dig into what it’s really like working as an advocate, juggling income streams, and balancing all the “have-tos” that come with parenting and supporting kids with disabilities.
This week, I’m sharing my thoughts on the heaviness of the world lately, from the challenges our kids face today to the problematic rhetoric coming from public figures like RFK Jr. We’ll talk about wealth, privilege, and why some people with power seem so intent on making life tougher for marginalized communities—especially families like ours. Plus, I’ll get personal about my Powerball daydreams, the realities of having a child with profound autism, and why community support matters so much more than ever.
If you’re ready for lived experience, unfiltered opinions, and concrete action items for making change, you’re in the right place.
More: https://adayinourshoes.com/stepping-up-for-disabled-kids/
And: https://adayinourshoes.com/book/
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!
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
Stop calling me to come pick up my kid.
Don't IEP Alone.
An unfortunate trend I see every spring as a Special Education Advocate--the school frequently calling parents to come pick up their child. Usually due to behaviors. So what can you do? Listen and find out.
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
It's no joke, sometimes kids with disabilities are excluded from field trips.
Don't IEP Alone.
This happens so often this time of year and it makes me nuts. You cannot discriminate against any protected class, yet kids with IEPs are excluded from field trips all the time.
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
PWN-If you don't know it, you should!
Don't IEP Alone.
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.
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
Parents' Right-Procedural Safeguards
Don't IEP Alone.
All of your rights as an IEP parent are listed in Procedural Safeguards. Here are a few of the important highlights.
IEP Procedural Safeguards
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
Can I ask for "this" on my IEP?
Don't IEP Alone.
Parents ask me all the time, "Can I ask for this?" or "What about this?"
So what can you ask for on an IEP? What are the limits?
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
How to Not Cry at your IEP Meeting
Don't IEP Alone.
When you're crying during an IEP meeting, chances are you're not feeling strong and empowered.
I'm sharing some great tips on how to not cry at your IEP meeting.
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
Adapting to Change: IEP and 504 Plans in a Shifting Landscape
Don't IEP Alone.
Content mentioned in episode: IEP vs 504: What’s the Same? And Which is Better to Have?
In this episode, Lisa addresses significant changes within the US Department of Education and the impact these could have on IDEA and Section 504, including legal battles and personnel changes at the Office of Civil Rights. She explores the pros and cons of IEPs versus 504 plans, highlighting the importance of these legally binding documents in ensuring children with disabilities receive the education they deserve.
Lisa also discusses the importance of community and resistance movements in protecting rights under attack, providing listeners with insight and strategies to navigate these uncertain times. Join Lisa as she shares her perspectives and encourages listeners to stay informed and engaged in advocating for disability rights.
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!
📣Preorder my book 📣
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
🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!
From Phone Calls to Handwritten Letters: Tips to Make Legislators Listen on Issues
9:59
Reviving Parent Groups: The Old and New of Special Ed Advocacy
14:24
Medical Records and the IEP
22:28
Is ESY starting this week? And, yeah, the Medicaid thing.
9:45
Our advocacy is not enough.
10:04
IEE-Independent Education Evaluations
21:49
Should you hire an IEP Advocate?
18:48
A 13th and 14th year?
22:10
🚨 Medicaid Cuts, Advocacy, and Why We Can’t Stay Silent 🚨
17:39
Do this now. Thank me later.
6:42
From Entitlement to Eligibility: The Wake-Up Call Special Needs Parents Usually Aren't Expecting.
15:11
One last bit of ESY advice before summer starts
6:36
You'd know if your child was having seizures, right? Maybe not!
20:30
Congress Meets at 1 AM--what are they hiding?
11:33
Atlantic City Observations: Why Early Support for Kids With IEPs Matters
21:19
From ESY Struggles to Graduation Emotions: Holding Space for Special Needs Parents
17:11
Breaking Down RFK, Dr. Oz, Executive Orders, and the Supreme Court: Big IEP Headlines Explained
22:36
Challenging Stigma: Autism, Family Life, and Confronting Harmful Narratives
17:36
Stop calling me to come pick up my kid.
19:27
It's no joke, sometimes kids with disabilities are excluded from field trips.
20:29
PWN-If you don't know it, you should!
17:19
Parents' Right-Procedural Safeguards
12:18
Can I ask for "this" on my IEP?
11:16
How to Not Cry at your IEP Meeting
15:54
Adapting to Change: IEP and 504 Plans in a Shifting Landscape
22:06