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 is OPEN NOW for Don't IEP Alone Academy. 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 show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for Training

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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 Thank you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time! Support the show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for Training

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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 online,” and “I don’t have time.” Her point is direct: knowing your child’s rights isn’t enough. Parents also need to know how to apply those rights, use documentation and data, and move an IEP team toward yes. At 03:25, Lisa Lightner explains why her four-step advocacy strategy focuses on applying the law, not simply learning it. She also addresses the difference between being assertive and being confrontational, and why speaking up at meetings may not change an IEP without the right paper trail. For overwhelmed parents, the goal is less guessing and less busywork, with a defined process that can be used across disabilities. Sign up today or learn more about Special Education Advocacy Training. 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 show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for Training

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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’t wait until Thanksgiving to discover that services aren’t being delivered or progress isn’t happening 02:35. A key theme that emerged is that advocacy doesn’t require one dramatic meeting or hours of research. It can look like following up on a disappointing test, documenting the support needed to finish homework, reading school updates, or sending one thoughtful email 04:31. These small actions build a record, create momentum, and make the IEP process easier to manage over time. As the episode puts it, advocacy is “a bunch of tiny little things,” things that add up 07:07. 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 show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for Training

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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 tackling one of the toughest parts of advocating for your child in IEP meetings: how to respond when the team tells you "no." Lisa Lightner opens up about her early fears of rejection and how hearing "no" has become just another data point in her advocacy journey. She shares concrete strategies for handling those automatic refusals from school teams, including exactly what questions to ask, how to document responses, and ways to keep the conversation moving toward what's best for your child—no matter how many obstacles you face. Stay tuned for practical advice, scripts for your next meeting, and tips to challenge the "culture of no" so your child gets the services they deserve. 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 show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for Training

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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 belief among parents and advocates: the idea that IEP meetings are the most important part of the special education process. Drawing from her years of experience, Lisa Lightner explains why the real work—and true advocacy power—happens before and around the IEP meeting itself. With practical tips, honest insights, and a fresh perspective, she reveals how advance preparation, clear communication, and data-driven groundwork are what truly shape successful outcomes for your child. Whether you’re dreading your next IEP meeting or seeking to strengthen your advocacy skills, this episode offers valuable guidance to transform how you approach the IEP process. 00:00 Parents' anxiety about IEP meetings 03:07 Preparing for IEP meetings 07:37 Tips for Successful IEP Meetings What Questions to Ask at an IEP Meeting (free PDF) Should Parents Get the IEP or Evaluations Before the Meeting? How to Not Cry at your IEP Meeting. 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 show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for Training

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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 strategies to help you get organized before classes begin, including a game-changing new approach to reading and understanding your child’s IEP. Whether your summer break is winding down or you’re already prepping backpacks, Lisa Lightner offers practical advice to help ease your worries, focus on what you can control, and move into the new school year feeling confident and empowered. Plus, she tackles common concerns about related services and reminds you—you’re doing better than you think! 1. Introduction and Welcome Lisa Lightner greets new and returning listeners 00:01 Brief mention of podcast hiatuses and evergreen episodes 00:13 Reference to the "February freak out" experienced by parents and advocates 00:20 2. Back-to-School Transition for IEP Parents Personal anecdote about shopping for back-to-school with her son 01:29 Discussion about not having the luxury to delay back-to-school planning as an IEP parent 02:29 Emphasizing the need to prepare before school starts to avoid children being left behind 02:35 3. How to Read an IEP Effectively Announcement of a new "How to Read an IEP" PDF, blog post, and YouTube video available in show notes 02:59 Explanation of the common mistake: reading IEPs cover to cover instead of by issue 03:32 Introduction of a new method: track specific issues (e.g., executive functioning) throughout the IEP 04:00 Encouragement to focus on 1 or 2 main concerns for the new school year 04:49 Mention of IEP progress monitoring—caution not to wait until report cards (often as late as Thanksgiving) to check progress 05:11 4. Self-Assessment and Reassurance for Parents Encouragement to focus on progress, even small, rather than stress 05:52 Reassurance that listening to the podcast means parents are ahead of the game 06:22 Observation that most IEPs have bright spots, not just problems, based on Lisa Lightner's IEP record reviews 06:52 Invitation to email Lisa Lightner for support if things feel dire 07:34 Reminders for parents to take deep breaths and acknowledge their prior experience 07:38 Welcoming both new and returning IEP parents 07:47 5. Patience with IEP Related Services at Start of School Year Encouragement not to panic about missed related services in the first weeks (e.g., OT, speech) 08:12 Explanation that scheduling and caseloads are often still being settled in the first week or two 08:49 Suggestion that IEPs are often written to account for start/end of year disruptions 09:05 Importance of perspective: missing a couple of sessions likely won’t affect long-term success 09:33 Practical advice for documentation and following up if no contact after two weeks 09:54 6. Closing Remarks Reminder to document ongoing issues for patterns 10:04 Goodbye and encouragement to tune in again 10:15 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 show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for Training

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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 show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for Training

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 with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for Training

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/ADayInOurShoesIEP Instagram: @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 show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for Training

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/ADayInOurShoesIEP Instagram: @DontIEPalone 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 show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for Training

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/ADayInOurShoesIEP Instagram: @DontIEPalone 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 show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for Training

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 Series: adayinourshoes.com/iep-transition-workshops/ 🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Training: 👉 dontiepalone.com/online-special-education-... ⚠️More on IEP Transition Planning: adayinourshoes.com/iep-transition/ 🎯 Free IEP Binder for Parents: adayinourshoes.com/free-iep-binder/ Your IEP Playbook: https://adayinourshoes/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! Support the show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for Training

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 Education Advocacy Training: 👉 https://dontiepalone.com/online-special-education-advocacy-training/ ⚠️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/ Facebook.com/ADayInOurShoesIEP Instagram: @DontIEPalone 🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 Join A Community of Parents and Advocates who "get it": https://village.adayinourshoes.com 🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 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 show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for Training

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 Special Education Advocacy Training: 👉 https://dontiepalone.com/online-special-education-advocacy-training/ ⚠️More on FAPE: https://adayinourshoes.com/fape/ 🎯 Free IEP Binder for Parents: https://adayinourshoes.com/free-iep-binder/ https://Facebook.com/ADayInOurShoesIEP https://Instagram.com/DontIEPalone 🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 Every question is answered by an advocate--Join A Community of Parents and Advocates who "get it": https://village.adayinourshoes.com 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 show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for Training

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 you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time! Support the show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for Training

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 episode, we'll be sharing 12 valuable tips for special education parent-teacher conferences during IEP season. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to this journey, these insights will help you approach these important meetings with confidence and clarity. From setting expectations and communication strategies to addressing concerns and understanding your rights, we've got you covered. So grab a pen and paper, and let's dive into these essential tips to ensure you make the most of your parent-teacher conferences. 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 show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for Training

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 next time! Support the show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for Training

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 Training: 👉 https://dontiepalone.com/online-special-education-advocacy-training/ ⚠️More on FAPE: https://adayinourshoes.com/fape/ 🎯 Free IEP Binder for Parents: https://adayinourshoes.com/free-iep-binder/ https://Facebook.com/ADayInOurShoesIEP https://Instagram.com/DontIEPalone 🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 Every question is answered by an advocate--Join A Community of Parents and Advocates who "get it": https://village.adayinourshoes.com 🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 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 show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for Training

OSEP and OSERS Staff Elimination

Mentioned in Episode: OSERS Has Been Dismantled: What This Means for Disabled Adults and Their Families. OSEP Is Gone: What It Means for Your Child’s IEP and What Parents Must Do Now. 🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉https://dontiepalone.com/iep-progress/ 🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Training: 👉 https://dontiepalone.com/online-special-education-advocacy-training/ ⚠️More on FAPE: https://adayinourshoes.com/fape/ 🎯 Free IEP Binder for Parents: https://adayinourshoes.com/free-iep-binder/ https://Facebook.com/ADayInOurShoesIEP https://Instagram.com/DontIEPalone 🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 Every question is answered by an advocate--Join A Community of Parents and Advocates who "get it": https://village.adayinourshoes.com 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 show Other ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order Your IEP Playbook (my book) Schedule a Consult or IEP Record Review Get on the Waitlist for Training