Don't IEP Alone.

Lisa Lightner

I attend IEP meetings for a living and you just can't compete with that level of crazy.

Warning: I've been told I have a Philly accent. I don't hear it. Also, I curse. It's something I'm working on as far as personal development. So please don't be put off. I'm trying.

Inspired by her own son with disabilities, Lisa Lightner is an award-winning blogger and advocate. She has previously worked for her county's Arc and has served on the Boards of Directors for several disability organizations.

Currently, she is her county's chairperson for the Right to Education Task Force, a federally decreed group set up in 1971 to ensure that all children in Pennsylvania had the opportunity to an education.

When not attending IEP meetings with families or lobbying in Harrisburg and DC for disability rights, she can be found on the web at her IEP advice blog, A Day in our Shoes. She is known for her practical, realistic and implementable advice for parents.

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Chatting with Nicole Santiago from Family ADDventures
Today
Chatting with Nicole Santiago from Family ADDventures
Welcome to another empowering episode of the "Don't IEP Alone" podcast! I'm your host, Lisa Lightner, and today, I am thrilled to have a special guest, Nicole Santiago, from Family Adventures. Nicole shares her incredible journey, transitioning from a dedicated Spanish teacher to becoming an advocate for children with diverse learning needs, driven by personal experiences with her own three children, each facing unique challenges.In this episode, we delve into Nicole's inspiring advocacy work, from her experiences in the education system to her unexpected role in training the San Antonio Police Department on understanding and responding to individuals with neurodivergent needs. Nicole's commitment to breaking down barriers and keeping children out of the school-to-prison pipeline is truly commendable.We also explore her involvement in supporting a family facing challenges with their church, highlighting the ongoing struggle for inclusivity and understanding within religious communities. Nicole's insights into the complexities of advocating for neurodivergent individuals offer valuable lessons for listeners passionate about making a positive impact.Tune in, connect with Nicole:https://familyaddventures.com/https://twitter.com/famADDventureshttps://www.facebook.com/familyADDventureshttps://www.instagram.com/familyaddventures/If you've ever wondered about stepping into advocacy or are seeking inspiration for your journey, this episode is a must-listen. Remember, you don't have to navigate the world of IEPs 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!Support the showMore IEP Help for You IEP Toolkit for Parents and IEP Teacher Toolkit Online Training Options Search 650+ Articles Get a free IEP Organizer Get Your IEP Questions answered by an advocate
Gotcha
2d ago
Gotcha
Welcome, everyone! I'm Lisa Lightner, and I'm thrilled to bring you another episode of "Don't IEP Alone." Whether you're tuning in on YouTube or on different podcast platforms, or catching up with me on LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram, I'm glad you're here. Don't forget to hit that subscribe button so you never miss an episode.I want to delve into the concept of "gotcha." Four specific situations have recently come up where parents felt they had the upper hand, armed with what they believed were game-changing pieces of information. But does a gotcha moment really work in the world of IEPs?To clarify, a gotcha is like saying, "I've got you" to surprise or frighten someone, indicating an advantage. I've encountered parents who believe they've caught their IEP team in a gotcha moment, armed with information that should lead to positive changes. However, it's crucial to understand why this approach often falls short.Parents, understandably frustrated and feeling extra pressure in the current climate, bring forth information they believe will change the game. But having a gotcha doesn't necessarily result in the outcomes parents hope for.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 showMore IEP Help for You IEP Toolkit for Parents and IEP Teacher Toolkit Online Training Options Search 650+ Articles Get a free IEP Organizer Get Your IEP Questions answered by an advocate
Parents are the IEP Police
1w ago
Parents are the IEP Police
Welcome to "Don't IEP Alone" with your host, Lisa Lightner. If you're navigating the world of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and special education, this podcast is your go-to resource. In this episode, Lisa delves into the intriguing concept of parents as the IEP police. Drawing from her own experiences as a former special education compliance monitor in Pennsylvania, she unveils the inner workings of the compliance monitoring process and sheds light on the limitations it presents.As Lisa passionately shares her insights, she reveals the disconnect between the administrative checkboxes of compliance monitoring and the actual substance of education. The podcast explores the challenges faced by parents, highlighting the critical role they play in advocating for their children's meaningful progress within the IEP system.From the intricacies of compliance audits to the lack of focus on outcomes and meaningful participation, Lisa challenges the status quo and calls on parents nationwide to become proactive advocates. She emphasizes the need for collective understanding and action to bring about much-needed change in special education.With a blend of personal anecdotes, expert interviews, and practical advice, "Don't IEP Alone" is more than a podcast—it's a community for parents navigating the complexities of the special education system. Join Lisa as she empowers parents to be informed, engaged, and proactive advocates for their children's education and future. Tune in and be part of the movement to reshape the narrative around IEPs and 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!Support the showMore IEP Help for You IEP Toolkit for Parents and IEP Teacher Toolkit Online Training Options Search 650+ Articles Get a free IEP Organizer Get Your IEP Questions answered by an advocate
Social Skills
Nov 28 2023
Social Skills
Welcome back to another episode of "Don't IEP Alone." I'm your host, Lisa Lightner, a special education advocate based near Philadelphia. In today's episode, we're diving into the world of social skills, just in time for the upcoming Thanksgiving festivities. As we gear up for the holiday season, it's essential to recognize that our children, especially those with ADHD, intellectual disabilities, or autism, may not always exhibit traditional social skills.Join me as we navigate through the changing landscape of social expectations. In a world that's constantly evolving, our approach to social skills also needs to adapt. Remember that what may have been considered a social faux pas in the past may simply be a different way of engaging with others.I share insights into the challenges our kids face, from difficulties with eye contact to the nuances of reciprocal conversations. Drawing from personal experiences and anecdotes, we explore the importance of accepting and celebrating differences, not just preaching the idea of "different, not less."Let's make this holiday season a time for connection, understanding, and embracing the uniqueness of every individual.Tune in, and I'll catch you in the next episode of "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!Support the showMore IEP Help for You IEP Toolkit for Parents and IEP Teacher Toolkit Online Training Options Search 650+ Articles Get a free IEP Organizer Get Your IEP Questions answered by an advocate
Bonus Episode: IEP Goal Banks and Parent-Teacher Conferences with an IEP
Nov 1 2023
Bonus Episode: IEP Goal Banks and Parent-Teacher Conferences with an IEP
I'm talking about two things today--IEP Goal Banks and Parent Teacher Conferences when you have an IEP.Get the IEP Toolkit.-------------------------------Hello, and welcome to another episode of "Don't IEP Alone." I'm your host, Lisa Lightner. Today, we have some exciting topics to discuss, including the highly requested IEP goal bank and navigating parent-teacher conferences. But before we dive into those subjects, let's take a moment to reflect on recent events. The Halloween season has come and gone, and in our household, it marked a significant change. For the first time in 17 years, we didn't participate in trick-or-treating. It was a new season for us, and it got me thinking about the evolving nature of life and how we adapt to these changes.In the blogging world, I'm part of a group of serious bloggers across different subject areas. Lately, we've all noticed a disturbing trend of increased nastiness online, particularly on social media. People seem quick to criticize and attack, even for insignificant matters. It's important to remember that inclusivity is not always possible in every post or article. While I do my best to address a broad range of topics, it's not feasible to cover every scenario and every person. However, that doesn't mean I'm unwilling to help or support those whose needs may not be addressed completely in a particular post. We have the resources, such as the forums, to engage with our community and provide additional support.That said, let's turn our attention to the IEP goal bank, a cornerstone of our website. This article has grown over the years and has become one of the most widely read and comprehensive resources available. I believe in the power of collaboration and the idea that we don't have to reinvent the wheel. Networking, whether online or in person, allows us to share ideas and learn from each other. Yet, recently, I've faced criticism from individuals who claim that using an IEP goal bank or seeking inspiration from others is unethical. I strongly disagree. It's not unethical to gather ideas and tailor them to fit our unique circumstances. In fact, it's a crucial part of advocating for our children's education and ensuring their individual needs are met.As we enter November, many school districts will be conducting parent-teacher conferences. These meetings can sometimes blur the lines between a regular conversation and an IEP meeting, causing confusion and potentially wasting valuable time for all involved. I'll be sharing my thoughts on this matter and offering insights on how to navigate these conferences effectively.So, whether you're seeking guidance on IEP goal setting or advice for upcoming parent-teacher conferences, this episode has something for you. Stay tuned as we delve into these important topics and provide valuable insighDon'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 showMore IEP Help for You IEP Toolkit for Parents and IEP Teacher Toolkit Online Training Options Search 650+ Articles Get a free IEP Organizer Get Your IEP Questions answered by an advocate
Finding Practical Solutions for Disabled Professionals: A Discussion with Ariadne Wolf
Oct 11 2023
Finding Practical Solutions for Disabled Professionals: A Discussion with Ariadne Wolf
Ariadne Wolf is a dedicated advocate for disabled and neurodivergent women writers who have faced trauma. Having worked closely with this community, Ariadne discovered their struggle to share their pain stories and connect with audiences in a meaningful and authentic way. This realization led her to establish an editorial consulting business, focusing on empowering and supporting her disabled community. Alongside her career, Ariadne pursued her master's in conflict resolution at the University of Oregon, using her experiences to enhance her skills in communication and relationship-building. Throughout her journey, she encountered the Amber Heard trial, drawing parallels between her own experiences and the challenges faced by individuals facing the daunting task of sharing personal stories before an audience. Motivated by her personal growth and advocacy work, Ariadne recognized a gap in the support system available to individuals navigating accessibility needs, realizing that legal assistance often falls short in providing the necessary empathy and guidance. She believes a trauma-informed and communication-focused approach, with an emphasis on maintaining relationships, is essential in creating safe and inclusive spaces for individuals with disabilities. Ariadne's passion for storytelling and advocacy drives her mission to empower others and foster understanding and support within the disabled community.For more information or to contact Ariadne, please visit:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariadne-wolf-73a341180/https://ariadnewolfdotcom.wordpress.com/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 showMore IEP Help for You IEP Toolkit for Parents and IEP Teacher Toolkit Online Training Options Search 650+ Articles Get a free IEP Organizer Get Your IEP Questions answered by an advocate
Uncovering the Hidden Link: How Speech and Language Disorders Connect to Juvenile Confinement with Dr. Shameka Stewart, Juvenile Forensic SLP
Oct 4 2023
Uncovering the Hidden Link: How Speech and Language Disorders Connect to Juvenile Confinement with Dr. Shameka Stewart, Juvenile Forensic SLP
00:02:30 Youth facing adult charges, reviewing records and assessing language and cognition to align with charges. Discussing impact of disorder on ability to meet elements.00:05:19 Parents should familiarize themselves with special education laws and their rights to ensure their child receives appropriate services and not agree to anything they feel is wrong.00:07:34 The term "school to prison" refers to the transition of youth from schools to the criminal justice system. It emphasizes the need for intervention at various points before reaching prison and acknowledges the significance of confinement in juvenile detention.00:10:26 Carve is an acronym for setting realistic, relevant, and culturally applicable goals.00:17:08 Recognizing diverse perspectives on trauma and advocating for proper evaluations to determine its impact on individuals.00:19:58 The mission is to help kids and their parents communicate and understand. The speaker is a forensic speech and language pathologist available for questions and concerns.Dr. Shameka Stewart is an Associate Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders and the first and only Juvenile Forensic Speech-Language Pathologist(r). Dr. Stewart’s clinical and scholarly work specializes in Juvenile Forensics, Law Enforcement Interaction with youth with CD, child language disorders and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).Instagram: @drjuvenile_forensicslp Website: https://www.juvforensicslp.com/Shameka Stewart., Ph.D., CCC-SLP/LJuvenile Forensic Speech-Language PathologistChild Language Disorders SpecialistAssociate Professor, Communication Sciences & DisordersDon'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 showMore IEP Help for You IEP Toolkit for Parents and IEP Teacher Toolkit Online Training Options Search 650+ Articles Get a free IEP Organizer Get Your IEP Questions answered by an advocate
Nurturing Executive Functioning Skills: A Deep Dive with Tera Sumpter, SLP
Sep 28 2023
Nurturing Executive Functioning Skills: A Deep Dive with Tera Sumpter, SLP
Welcome back to another episode of "Don't IEP Alone"! In today's episode, we dive into the fascinating topic of executive functioning with the incredibly knowledgeable Tera Sumpter, SLP. Tera, who likes to think of things in terms of growth and planting, shares her insights and strategies for developing and supporting executive functioning skills in children. She categorizes these skills into roots, stems, and flowers, highlighting the importance of prioritizing and organizing skills as the "flowers" that bloom when there is a strong foundation of roots and stems. One of the key themes discussed in this episode is the crucial role of perception and awareness in building a strong root system, followed by attention and other essential skills in the stem. Tera also delves into the importance of choosing a highly recommended professional to assess executive function and suggests that a dynamic assessment, which includes observing performance and processing in different domains, is the most effective approach. Listen in as Tera shares tips for fostering foresight, understanding nonverbal working memory, and the significance of a team approach in addressing executive functioning difficulties. We also explore the connection between executive function and various specialties, such as speech and language development, literacy, mathematics, and emotional regulation. Tera offers invaluable insights for parents, educators, and professionals, stressing the need for knowledge and integration of executive function into everyday practices. Additionally, Tera provides practical strategies for supporting executive function development in and outside the classroom. So, whether you're a parent seeking guidance, an advocate for change, or simply interested in understanding executive functioning better, this episode is a must-listen. Stay tuned!Here are the resources we discussed:Tera's online educational network.  This is my best resource for learning about EF, EF assessment and EF intervention for parents and professionals.  https://community.terasumpter.com/Her book, The Seeds of Learning is below.Her Instagram account:  @terasumpter_slpHer Facebook page:  Seeds of Learning, LLCHer blog:  https://terasumpter.com/blogDon'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 showMore IEP Help for You IEP Toolkit for Parents and IEP Teacher Toolkit Online Training Options Search 650+ Articles Get a free IEP Organizer Get Your IEP Questions answered by an advocate
Conversations with Child Psychologist Elliott Jaffa: Navigating Teen Behavior and Building People Skills
Sep 27 2023
Conversations with Child Psychologist Elliott Jaffa: Navigating Teen Behavior and Building People Skills
Elliott JaffaDr. Elliott B. Jaffa AssociatesArlington, VAejaffa316@gmail.com703-931-004000:02:15 The goal is to catch kids being good. Ask what they learned instead of "how was school?" Praise observable behaviors, not physical appearance. Parents struggle with the language of positivity.00:06:18 The speaker asks an easy question, but with language restrictions. They then ask if the listener's hand is bleeding, questioning the validity of the question.00:09:34 Cows drink water, not milk. The focus should be on positive communication and listening with children.00:12:42 A therapist challenges children to quit school and express their dislike towards teachers and principals.00:17:56 Author dislikes phone use while driving; suggests penalties for hitting pedestrians distracted by phones. Author also dislikes phone use during business meetings; prefers clients who are not attached to their phones. Author personally does not use phone much, except for emergencies or coordinating plans. Recommends using phones for educational purposes.00:20:19 The text discusses using the internet to learn and earn phone time for educational purposes.00:23:35 The author discusses their interactions with children and the impact of their conversations.00:27:37 The speaker plans to provide information on how to find doctor Jaffa through a podcast listing, email, and Facebook.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 showMore IEP Help for You IEP Toolkit for Parents and IEP Teacher Toolkit Online Training Options Search 650+ Articles Get a free IEP Organizer Get Your IEP Questions answered by an advocate
The Impact of Socialization in the Digital Age: FaceTime vs. In-Person Interaction, Dr. Stephanie Fields
Sep 13 2023
The Impact of Socialization in the Digital Age: FaceTime vs. In-Person Interaction, Dr. Stephanie Fields
The Impact of Socialization in the Digital Age: FaceTime vs. In-Person Interaction00:02:07 Growing concern over children's socialization and anxiety.00:03:50 Video games can count as socialization, but face-to-face interaction is also important.00:07:33 Families need to focus on mental health.00:13:18 Parents must be vigilant with IEPs. Specialty design instruction must match child's needs. Collaboration needed for effective changes.00:16:49 Technical reports meant to be explained to parents.00:21:09 ADHD becoming mainstream, making connections for kids.00:25:01 Prioritize Mental Health 101 during crises.00:25:58 Challenging, but prioritize healthy food choices.Dr. Stephanie Fields is a highly qualified psychologist with expertise in family therapy. She recently shifted her focus towards parent coaching, a specialized approach that solves specific parenting problems. Dr. Fields emphasizes that a diagnosis or assessment of the child is not the main focus of parent coaching. Instead, her role as a parent coach is to work closely with parents, addressing specific parenting issues they may be facing. Whether it's helping a child sleep independently or managing chaotic mealtimes, Dr. Stephanie Fields provides targeted solutions through coaching sessions.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 showMore IEP Help for You IEP Toolkit for Parents and IEP Teacher Toolkit Online Training Options Search 650+ Articles Get a free IEP Organizer Get Your IEP Questions answered by an advocate