I'm getting a facelift!

Ha, no, not me. The podcast. Details in this 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!

Support the show

📣Preorder my book 📣

• Amazon
• Books-A-Million
• Bookshop.org
• Barnes & Noble!

More IEP help for you--at home or at school--

📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)

📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents

☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents

👩‍💻 Online Advocacy Training

🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!

Parents, get your free IEP binder: https://adayinourshoes.com/free-iep-binder/

Get your free IEP goal tracker: https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-goal-tracker/

Welcome back to Don't IEP Alone with your host, Lisa Lightner. In this episode, Lisa dives into the rapidly changing landscape of special education and the overwhelming wave of recent changes in the Department of Education. She unpacks the intentional chaos designed to wear families thin, from high-profile firings—especially in the Office for Civil Rights—to the ongoing debate about "returning education to the states." Lisa shares practical advice for navigating this uncertainty, including the importance of understanding your state's regulations, building supportive relationships with school and community teams, staying vigilant with IEP progress monitoring, and creatively seeking out additional resources for your child.

Whether you're feeling discouraged by national developments or just looking for concrete steps to better support your family, Lisa offers perspective, advocacy tips, and a reminder that you’re not alone. Tune in and get equipped for the road ahead!

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

📣Preorder my book 📣

• Amazon
• Books-A-Million
• Bookshop.org
• Barnes & Noble!

More IEP help for you--at home or at school--

📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)

📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents

☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents

👩‍💻 Online Advocacy Training

🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!

Parents, get your free IEP binder: https://adayinourshoes.com/free-iep-binder/

Get your free IEP goal tracker: https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-goal-tracker/

Welcome back to Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner! In today's episode, Lisa tackles one of the most common questions she gets from parents: "What can I ask for on my IEP?" Drawing from over 15 years of advocacy experience, Lisa breaks down the good news—and the bad news—about IEP requests. She explains why there's no one-size-fits-all list of options, and instead emphasizes the importance of becoming an expert in your child's unique needs.

Lisa shares practical tips for finding ideas, advocating effectively with data and documentation, and pushing past the initial "no" you might hear from your team. Whether you're stepping into your first IEP meeting or looking for fresh strategies, this episode is filled with honest guidance and encouragement. Tune in and get empowered to ask for what your child truly needs!

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

📣Preorder my book 📣

• Amazon
• Books-A-Million
• Bookshop.org
• Barnes & Noble!

More IEP help for you--at home or at school--

📊 Free IEP Data Collection Sheets (for school staff)

📒 Free IEP Binder for Parents

☑️ IEP Goal Tracking Sheets for Parents

🧰 IEP Toolkit for Parents

👩‍💻 Online Advocacy Training

🙋 Ask an Advocate your IEP Question

🧰 How to Collect IEP Data in the Classroom without losing your mind!