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!
📣 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
🧰 ...
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!
📣 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
🧰 ...
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.
📣 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
🧰 ...
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.
📣 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.
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
🧰 ...
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
📣 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
🧰 ...
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?
📣 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
🧰 ...
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.
📣 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
🧰 ...
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!
📣 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
🧰 ...
Actually, it is brain surgery.
Don't IEP Alone.
Would you like to have your IEP questions answered by a Special Education Advocate?
You can email them to me at Lisa @ ADayInOurShoes.com
Plus, an update on my son.
📣 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
🧰 ...
Stressed out about IEP meetings? Let's change that.
Don't IEP Alone.
Honestly, I haven't stressed out about an IEP meeting in years. Years, I tell you!
Here's why.
📣 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
🧰 ...
Who can I bring to my IEP Meeting?
Don't IEP Alone.
Who attends an IEP Meeting? Who can you invite? Who should you invite?
📣 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
🧰 ...
Navigating Social Skills and IEP Challenges in Special Education
Don't IEP Alone.
Links: 15 Evidence-Based Social Skills Interventions That Actually Work in IEPs
101 Social Skills IEP Goals for all Ages, including Objectives (free PDF)
Join host Lisa Lightner as she navigates the evolving landscape of podcasts and embraces the simplicity of an unedited, heartfelt conversation. In this episode, Lisa emphasizes the importance of returning to IEP-focused content amidst the current distractions in the world. She delves deep into the pressing concerns about social skills that many parents and educators face today, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic and the current socio-political climate.
Lisa shares insights on the essential foundations for social skills, the role of executive functioning, and offers practical strategies for parents to foster these skills at home. Tune in as she provides valuable resources and underscores the need for both schools and parents to work hand-in-hand in nurturing effective communication and social interaction in children.
Don't miss out on Lisa's personal stories and actionable advice that are sure to guide you in your journey of advocacy and parenting.
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
🧰 ...
Gawd I hate April.
Don't IEP Alone.
Did you hear? It's Autism Awareness Month.
Also read:
Ableism: Why autism moms need to stop doing stuff like this.
AND
Well-intended Autism Awareness Materials that are actually ableist.
📣 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
🧰 ...
"What's the one piece of advice you have?"
Don't IEP Alone.
I get asked this a lot. "What's one piece of advice that you have for parents?"
Well, it's more than one thing, but I was able to pare it down into tangible tips.
📣 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
🧰 ...
It's April-ACL, flash sale and more
Don't IEP Alone.
Thanks so much for tuning into my simple little podcast about IEPs. I promise to get it cleaned up and a regular content schedule--starting next week.
Links to flash sale: https://adayinourshoes.org/advocacy-training-flash-sale/
Link to advocacy action items: https://adayinourshoes.com/administration-for-community-living-acl/
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
🧰 ...
Let's Rethink Autism Advocacy: Beyond the Puzzle Piece Debate
Don't IEP Alone.
Sorry, this episode cuts off abruptly for some reason, and I don't have time to re record it today.
Links to flash sale: https://adayinourshoes.org/advocacy-training-flash-sale/
Welcome back to "Don't IEP Alone" with your host, Lisa Lightner. It's April 1st, and we've got a jam-packed episode for you, beginning with an exciting announcement. In honor of April Fool's Day, Lisa is offering a special 50% discount on her "Don't IEP Alone" Academy. With the theme "advocacy is no joke," listeners can take advantage of this offer using the coupon code "no joke." Lisa also discusses the importance of real advocacy as we step into Autism Awareness and Acceptance month. She urges us to focus on substantive issues like funding, civil rights protections, and the dismantling of crucial agencies rather than getting caught up in debates over symbols. Join Lisa as she emphasizes the need for unity and vocal advocacy for the issues that matter most to our families. Plus, stay tuned for details about her upcoming book, already available for preorder. Let's dive in!
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
🧰 ...
Responding to RFK Jr's Plan to Eliminate the Administration for Community Living
Don't IEP Alone.
Links to flash sale: https://adayinourshoes.org/advocacy-training-flash-sale/
Link to advocacy action items: https://adayinourshoes.com/administration-for-community-living-acl/
Welcome to a special Monday edition of the "Don't IEP Alone" podcast with your host, Lisa Lightner. On this episode, Lisa dives into pressing issues in the advocacy world, starting with an urgent flash sale on her Don't IEP Alone Academy, designed to make advocacy training more accessible amid increasing demand for advocates. Lisa then turns her attention to a critical development regarding the Administration for Community Living (ACL). Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s recent announcement to dismantle this crucial agency, which prevents unnecessary institutionalization and supports both disabled individuals and senior citizens, has stirred concern. Lisa emphasizes the ripple effects this change could have, especially on disabled rights and services, and urges listeners to take action by contacting lawmakers. Listen in to learn how you can advocate for continued support and services for our communities. The time to unite and protect essential rights is now. Don't miss out on this impactful 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!
📣 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
🧰 ...
How to Advocate for IEPs Amid Political Shifts
Don't IEP Alone.
Discussed in episode: The End of the Department of Education? What Parents and Teachers Need to Know Now
That link includes action items for parents and teachers.
Welcome to another episode of "Don't IEP Alone" with your host Lisa Lightner. In today's episode, Lisa addresses the widespread concerns of parents navigating the potential impacts of recent political changes on special education and related services. As a mother of a child with disabilities and an advocate, Lisa shares personal insights and historical perspectives, calming nerves while rallying listeners to prepare and act.
With discussions around executive orders, potential disruptions in educational funding, and federal versus state responsibilities, Lisa lays out what we might expect in the coming months. She emphasizes the importance of solidarity, preparedness, and the power of collective action in safeguarding the rights and resources necessary for our children's education. So, grab a cup of coffee, take a deep breath, and join us as we delve into how to advocate effectively during uncertain times.
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
🧰 ...
Why Dismantling the Department of Education Actually Weakens State Rights
Don't IEP Alone.
In today's episode of "Don't IEP Alone," host and special education advocate Lisa Lightner dives into a critical topic she's been passionate about for months—the truth behind the role of the United States Department of Education and the misleading narratives around state control over public education.
Lisa sheds light on the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) of 1974, which restricts the federal government from dictating curriculum in public schools, emphasizing that education has always been a state-controlled affair. She also discusses the potential consequences of dismantling the Department of Education, such as fewer protections for states and local school boards.
Additionally, Lisa explores how political movements and misinformation are impacting school board elections and influencing educational policies. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of these vital issues and discover resources that can support your child's educational journey.
Read it: They said "Return Public Education to the States." They lied.
Mentioned in Podcast:
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
🧰 ...
Understanding GEPA: How Federal Overreach in Education Funding Violates a 50-Year-Old Law
Don't IEP Alone.
Welcome to a brand new episode of "Don't IEP Alone" with your host, Lisa Lightner. Today, we're diving into a significant court case involving the General Education Provisions Act (GEPA) from 1974 that the new administration recently lost. This case underscores the vital role states play in determining educational curriculum and the longstanding prohibition on federal overreach.
Lisa explores why local and state elections matter more than ever, especially as groups like "Moms for Liberty" make waves by influencing school board decisions. We also take a closer look at the implications of the GEPA on federal funding decisions, the executive branch's limitations, and the power of grassroots change. Plus, don't miss the introduction of Lisa's new anxiety at school toolkit, designed to empower you to better advocate for your child's needs. Let's unravel these complex issues and discover how they impact you and your family.
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
🧰 ...
The Parent Concerns Letter for your IEP
Don't IEP Alone.
This is one of the most important parts of the IEP...so make it great.
I'm offering tips on how to write your best EVER parent concerns letter for your 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
🧰 ...
Why did they do that?
Don't IEP Alone.
Why did {the school} do that? Why?
Answering this age old question.
📣 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
🧰 ...
🚨 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!
📣 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
🧰 ...
ESY-Extended School Year and IEPs
Don't IEP Alone.
It's the time of year when you should be making plans for summer ESY. Here's what you need to know.
📣 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
🧰 ...
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
Actually, it is brain surgery.
3:50
Stressed out about IEP meetings? Let's change that.
10:26
Who can I bring to my IEP Meeting?
11:39
Navigating Social Skills and IEP Challenges in Special Education
18:54
Gawd I hate April.
29:00
"What's the one piece of advice you have?"
13:01
It's April-ACL, flash sale and more
15:23
Let's Rethink Autism Advocacy: Beyond the Puzzle Piece Debate
7:52
Responding to RFK Jr's Plan to Eliminate the Administration for Community Living
15:26
How to Advocate for IEPs Amid Political Shifts
22:17
Why Dismantling the Department of Education Actually Weakens State Rights
17:50
Understanding GEPA: How Federal Overreach in Education Funding Violates a 50-Year-Old Law
10:43
The Parent Concerns Letter for your IEP
15:17
Why did they do that?
19:13
🚨 Medicaid Cuts, Advocacy, and Why We Can’t Stay Silent 🚨
17:39
ESY-Extended School Year and IEPs
14:21