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    Don't IEP Alone.

    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.

    en-usLisa Lightner141 Episodes

    Episodes (141)

    Let's Talk About Behavior (Part 2)

    Let's Talk About Behavior (Part 2)

    Welcome to another episode of Don't IEP Alone podcast! This episode is the Part 2 of "Let's Talk About Behavior". 

    Children with autism and other learning disabilities often struggle with negative behaviors. These behaviors are often a result of the child's lack of skills or sensory experiences. Behavior plans are often used to address these behaviors. However, behavior plans should not be used to punish or reward a child for a skill set or a sensory experience. Instead, behavior plans should be focused on addressing the underlying cause of the behavior.

    Parents should learn their rights in the process and use them to help their children. It is also important to engage the child to the maximum extent possible so that they can understand why they are doing the behavior.

    Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate

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    Let's Talk About Behavior (Part 1)

    Let's Talk About Behavior (Part 1)

    Welcome to another episode of Don't IEP Alone podcast! In this episode, we will talk about BEHAVIOR!

    Lisa Lightner, host of the Don't IEP Alone Podcast, discusses the flaws and trends she's seeing with problematic FBAs. She argues that anyone can do an FBA, but not everyone has the necessary training to do so effectively. She also points out that FBAs often don't go deep enough to identify the root cause of a child's behavior. 

    Finally, she suggests that parents should make sure that their child's IEP is being implemented with fidelity before requesting an FBA.

    Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate

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    Understanding IEEs: Part 4-What You Need to Know About Requesting an Independent Education Evaluation

    Understanding IEEs: Part 4-What You Need to Know About Requesting an Independent Education Evaluation

    Welcome to another episode of Don't IEP Alone podcast! In this episode, titled "IEE: Understanding Your Options," we dive into the important topic of Independent Education Evaluations (IEEs). 

    Relevant Article: https://adayinourshoes.com/iee-independent-education-evaluation/

    Host Lisa Leitner opens up about a recent somber experience and reminds us to cherish our loved ones. She then delves into the world of IEEs, debunking common myths and shedding light on the different types available. Lisa shares personal stories, as well as valuable insights and tips for parents navigating the process. 

    Plus, she reveals a little-known fact that may surprise you about what schools must do if they deny an IEE request. So, join us on this informative and enlightening episode as we explore the ins and outs of IEEs and empower parents to make the best decisions for their children. Don't miss it!

    Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate

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    Bonus Episode: IEP Goal Banks and Parent-Teacher Conferences with an IEP

    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 insigh

    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!

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    The Wait Time: What to Expect During IEP Evaluations - Part 3

    The Wait Time: What to Expect During IEP Evaluations - Part 3

    Welcome back to another episode of Don't IEP Alone. I'm Lisa Lightner, your host, and in today's episode, we continue our discussion on IEP evaluations. 
    Relevant Links: https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-re-evaluations-what-parents-need-to-know-timelines/
    https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-evaluations-iee-timeline/

    This is part three of the series, where we dive into the quiet waiting period after requesting evaluations. 

    As parents, we often find ourselves eagerly awaiting the results, and I'll share some insights on how to make the most of this time. We'll also explore the importance of parent participation during evaluations and why it's crucial to set aside dedicated time for it. Additionally, I'll share some interesting information from my experience as a compliance monitor for the Bureau of Special Education. 

    So sit back, relax, and join us as we explore the world of IEP evaluations in this informative 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!

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    Navigating the IEP Evaluation Process: Part 2 - Permission to Evaluate Form Explained

    Navigating the IEP Evaluation Process: Part 2 - Permission to Evaluate Form Explained

     Navigating the IEP Evaluation Process: Part 2 - Permission to Evaluate Form Explained
    Relevant Links: https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-evaluations-iee-timeline/
    https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-re-evaluations-what-parents-need-to-know-timelines/

    Welcome back to another episode of Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Leitner! In today's episode, we are diving into part two of our series on IEP evaluations. 

    Last time, we discussed the importance of requesting evaluations in writing and providing concrete examples of your concerns. Today, we will be exploring the permission to evaluate form and when a school may legally refuse to evaluate your child. 

    Lisa will guide us through the intricacies of this form, the acronyms you may encounter, and why it's important not to request specific assessments. She will also share valuable tips on ensuring all areas of suspected disability are included on the form, and how you can document your expectations if needed. 

    So grab your headphones and get ready to delve into the world of IEP evaluations. Let's not 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!

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    Understanding the IEP Evaluation Process: Part 1

    Understanding the IEP Evaluation Process: Part 1

    Welcome back to another episode of "Don't IEP Alone." I'm your host, Lisa Lightner, a special education advocate based near Philadelphia. 

    In this episode, we delve into a topic that many parents encounter when navigating the world of IEPs: evaluations. We often find that parents reach out to advocates when things aren't going well with their child's IEP, and sometimes this can go on for months or even years before seeking help. It got us thinking: what if advocates were involved from the beginning? 

    Join us as we explore the comprehensive and robust IEP evaluation process, discussing everything from the initial suspicions and requests for evaluations to reevaluations and independent evaluations. Whether you're a seasoned parent or new to the IEP world, this series will provide valuable insights into ensuring a thorough and effective evaluation process for your child. 


    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!

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    Don't IEP Alone.
    en-usOctober 18, 2023

    Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA): A Closer Look with Dr. Jessica Myszak

    Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA): A Closer Look with Dr. Jessica Myszak
    Dr. Jessica Myszak is a Chicago-area psychologist who specializes in autism assessment. Doing both in-person and telehealth evaluations in many states across the US, she has developed a niche in less-typical presentations of autism--autism in AFAB children and adults, high-masking children and adults, and pathological demand avoidance (PDA).

    Website—https://helpandhealingcenter.com/
    Tik Tok-- https://www.tiktok.com/@drjessicamyszak Autistic Support Network-- https://autisticsupportnetwork.com/


    Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate

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    Finding Practical Solutions for Disabled Professionals: A Discussion with Ariadne Wolf

    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 show

    More IEP Help for You

    IEP Toolkit for Parents and IEP Teacher Toolkit

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    Search 650+ Articles

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    Uncovering the Hidden Link: How Speech and Language Disorders Connect to Juvenile Confinement with Dr. Shameka Stewart, Juvenile Forensic SLP

    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/L

    Juvenile Forensic Speech-Language Pathologist

    Child Language Disorders Specialist

    Associate Professor, Communication Sciences & Disorders

    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!

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    Nurturing Executive Functioning Skills: A Deep Dive with Tera Sumpter, SLP

    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:


    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 show

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    IEP Toolkit for Parents and IEP Teacher Toolkit

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    Conversations with Child Psychologist Elliott Jaffa: Navigating Teen Behavior and Building People Skills

    Conversations with Child Psychologist Elliott Jaffa: Navigating Teen Behavior and Building People Skills

    Elliott Jaffa
    Dr. Elliott B. Jaffa Associates
    Arlington, VA
    ejaffa316@gmail.com
    703-931-0040

    00:02:15 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 show

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    Breaking Down Barriers: Janice Lloyd Discusses Remediation and Support for Dyslexic Students

    Breaking Down Barriers: Janice Lloyd Discusses Remediation and Support for Dyslexic Students

    Janice Lloyd is an experienced teacher trainer, private school administrator, and small group instructor at The Highlands School in Bel Air, Maryland. She has extensive experience with Orton-Gillingham methodologies, structured literacy, and learning differences such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and ADHD/executive function weaknesses. 

    The Highlands School educates students with learning differences and achievement gaps. We instill hope and confidence in our students by fostering a positive and nurturing environment. We focus on teaching our students methods to help them realize their strengths, overcome frustrations, and achieve academic and social success.

    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 show

    More IEP Help for You

    IEP Toolkit for Parents and IEP Teacher Toolkit

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    Don't IEP Alone.
    en-usSeptember 20, 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 Interaction, Dr. Stephanie Fields

    The Impact of Socialization in the Digital Age: FaceTime vs. In-Person Interaction

    00:02:07 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 show

    More IEP Help for You

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    We're back with Back to School Tips for 2023

    We're back with Back to School Tips for 2023

    Welcome back to the Don't IEP Alone podcast with your host, Lisa Lightner! After a long hiatus, we are thrilled to be back and ready to provide you with valuable content.

    In this episode titled "Back to School 2023, is your IEP ready?", Lisa dives into the current state of education, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. She discusses the challenges parents and educators are facing, such as staffing shortages and limited resources, and how it is impacting our children's IEPs.

    Lisa provides practical advice on how to navigate these difficulties and advocate for your child effectively. So sit back, relax, and get ready for an insightful discussion on preparing your IEP for the new school year. Let's dive in!

    You can learn more at ADayInOurShoes.com

    Support the show

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    Attorney-Advocate chat about Distance Learning and IEPs