Don't IEP Alone.

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.related content: Is My Child Receiving FAPE? What It Actually Looks Like in Real Life.Take the online special education advocacy training (what DOES win IEP meetings!)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!Support the showOther ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order my book

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 showOther ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order my book

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 proactive steps you can take now to better advocate for your child. Get essential advice on IEP renewals, kindergarten and transition webinars, progress monitoring, and how to avoid last-minute panic as spring approaches. All the tools and resources you need are in the show notes!🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉https://dontiepalone.com/iep-progress/ℹ️ IEP Present Levels for Teachers:  https://dontiepalone.com/sale-iep-present-levels/🧰 IEP Meeting Toolkit: https://dontiepalone.com/iep-meeting-preparation-toolkit/🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Training: https://access.dontiepalone.com/dont-iep-alone-sale/⚠️More on IEP Progress Monitoring: https://adayinourshoes.com/how-to-monitor-iep-progress-for-parents/🎯 Free IEP Goal Tracker: https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-goal-tracker/🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 Join A Community of Parents and Advocates who "get it":  https://village.adayinourshoes.com  Facebook.com/ADayInOurShoesIEPInstagram: @DontIEPalone  Free Webinar: Middle & High School IEPs https://dontiepalone.com/free-webinar-middle-high-school-ieps/Free Webinar: The Preschool to Kindergarten IEP Transition: https://dontiepalone.com/free-webinar-kindergarten-iep-transition/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!Support the showOther ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order my book

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, especially as a special needs parent and advocate. She discusses the grief of lost relationships, the importance of protecting your energy, and how the disability community can find support and understanding—even when it means creating your own village. An honest conversation about family, advocacy, and staying strong when facing adversity.🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉https://dontiepalone.com/iep-progress/ℹ️ IEP Present Levels for Teachers:  https://dontiepalone.com/sale-iep-present-levels/🧰 IEP Meeting Toolkit: https://dontiepalone.com/iep-meeting-preparation-toolkit/🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Training: https://access.dontiepalone.com/dont-iep-alone-sale/⚠️More on IEP Progress Monitoring: https://adayinourshoes.com/how-to-monitor-iep-progress-for-parents/🎯 Free IEP Goal Tracker: https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-goal-tracker/🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 Join A Community of Parents and Advocates who "get it":  https://village.adayinourshoes.com  Facebook.com/ADayInOurShoesIEPInstagram: @DontIEPalone  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!Support the showOther ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order my book

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 at home, compare school reports, and use documentation to advocate for your child’s needs. Plus, discover new IEP toolkits and resources to start your year empowered!🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉https://dontiepalone.com/iep-progress/ℹ️ IEP Present Levels for Teachers:  https://dontiepalone.com/sale-iep-present-levels/🧰 IEP Meeting Toolkit: https://dontiepalone.com/iep-meeting-preparation-toolkit/🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Training: https://access.dontiepalone.com/dont-iep-alone-sale/⚠️More on IEP Progress Monitoring: https://adayinourshoes.com/how-to-monitor-iep-progress-for-parents/🎯 Free IEP Goal Tracker: https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-goal-tracker/🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 Join A Community of Parents and Advocates who "get it":  https://village.adayinourshoes.com  Facebook.com/ADayInOurShoesIEPInstagram: @DontIEPaloneDon'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!Support the showOther ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order my book