
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... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 204 | Founded | 8 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | How ToEducationKids & Family | |||

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 p... more
Welcome to "Don't IEP Alone." I’m your host, Lisa Lightner, special education advocate.Â
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... more
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 pa... more
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... more
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“Imagine being told your child can’t go on a field because they are Jewish, black or Catholic…”
Huh? You’re comparing race, ethnicity and religion to IEP disabilities.
Those. Are. Not. Disabilities.
I have been meaning to listen for a while and just listened to a few episodes. I wish I would’ve found this sooner. Great advice and helpful!
I love how real talk this podcast is! As a parent of two children with autism on way different areas on the spectrum, knowing other people are out there that think like me helps me feel less alone!
I really want to leave a detailed review but I will come back and edit this. 5 stars isn’t enough!! Join the Facebook group, like and follow the page and start reading the blog!! Everything is so helpful!! You are your child’s best advocate and Lisa teaches you exactly how to be the best one possible!! She answers questions, she is constantly updating info. I honestly don’t know how she finds enough time in a day.
I’m a mom of 3, one is in first grade with ADHD and other diagnosis and an I... more
As a parent of children with special needs, this podcast is a breath of fresh air and helps remind me that we are not doing this alone! The IEP/504 process is so hard and this podcast equips you with the information you need to put your best foot forward for advocating for your child with the school systems. If you aren't listening to this podcast and you are going through the IEP/504 process....do yourself a favor and subscribe today!
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.









Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
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This program centers on practical guidance for families navigating the U.S. special education system, with a focus on IEPs, data-driven advocacy, and collaboration with schools. Episodes consistently emphasize present levels, data collection, and concrete strategies to secure appropriate services, while also addressing broader topics like family boundaries, policy changes, and the lived realities of advocating for children with disabilities. A standout throughline is turning advocacy into actionable steps—documenting needs, asking precise questions, and building supportive networks—rather than relying on confrontation alone. The host is known for candid, experience-driven advice, a no-nonsense approach, and a commitment to empowering parent... more
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These podcasts share a similar audience with Don't IEP Alone.:
1. The Collaborative IEP
2. Neurodiversity Podcast
3. The Mel Robbins Podcast
4. The Baffling Behavior Show {Parenting after Trauma}
5. NPR News Now
Don't IEP Alone. launched 8 years ago and published 204 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Don't IEP Alone. include:
1. Laura Hennigan
2. Janice Lloyd
3. Steve Jacobson
4. Russell Van Brocklen
5. Dr. Monica McHale
6. Dr. Sarah Cheyette
7. Tera Sumpter
8. Rachel Solomon
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