Get the exact professional support, tools, and step-by-step instruction you need to master IEP advocacy and see results in just weeks—not years.
Tired of hearing... "His grades are fine."
"Let's just try this for now...."
"He's making progress."
... when you know they're not?
Tired of getting the runaround when it comes to your child’s IEP?
What if I handed you the key to unlocking the outcome you want from your next IEP meeting?
"My son struggles to get to school. It is almost like he is frozen. It is like he is having a panic attack, can't speak. These days are tough. You cannot force him to go to school and yelling does not work. I felt helpless and didn't know what to do.
All of these things have made a huge difference. He rode the bus, and went to school, eleven days in a row. This was a big change from the beginning of the year, where he missed too much school, and I felt a failure as a mom, because I didn't know how to help him. Now, I feel more confident that he will be able to live on his own some day. Thank you for giving me that peace of mind."
–Michelle Copper
DOES THIS SOUND FAMILIAR?
You're speaking up at IEP meetings, but nothing changes. Your child isn't making progress, but you don't know how to prove it.
Let’s face it, there’s nothing more frustrating than walking into an IEP meeting hopeful for progress, only to feel like you’re being dismissed, talked over, or sent home with the same old plan that never truly meets your child’s needs. And there’s nothing more disheartening than spending hours researching, writing emails, and pushing for services only to have the school stall, delay, or tell you “no” without offering solutions.
Your Progress Monitoring reports and IEP assessments might as well be in hieroglyphics. You know you should be advocating with a plan and a proven process. Maybe you’ve even tried reading the law on your own, downloading free checklists, or piecing advice together from Facebook groups and YouTube videos......only to still feel like you’re missing something.
And yet, it's not quite working.
Vague and confusing progress reports. Services that look good on paper but never actually happen. Endless meetings where decisions feel predetermined. This is the reality many parents face, and it’s exhausting.
Other people make it look easy. But for you, it’s been anything but. You thought the hardest part was just getting your child qualified for an IEP, but as it turns out, that was only the beginning. And now you feel like you must be missing something.
And you’re not alone. Most parents, especially those who want to become stronger advocates, are right there with you.
The truth is that having a clear, step-by-step advocacy framework is a game changer, one that will save you time, reduce conflict, and finally get your child the supports they need to thrive.
The problem? Confusing special ed laws, constantly shifting school policies, and a system that often counts on parents not knowing their rights make achieving meaningful results feel impossible.
But what if there was a way to make sure you got it right?
HELLO, I'M LISA!
I've been helping parents navigate the IEP process for 16 years.
I have attended hundreds (thousands, maybe?) of IEP and 504 meetings and manifestation hearings, with all kinds of kids and parents and school teams.
And what I've learned is this: Our kids may be very different from each other. But IDEA and the IEP process never changes. It is the same process for every child.
With schools stretched thin and supports disappearing, strong advocacy isn’t optional anymore, it’s essential.
These are the exact tools and strategies that I use with my advocacy clients, and I'm making them available to all parents.
When you follow the prescribed IEP process (per IDEA) and have solid documentation, IEP meetings are nothing more than an annual formality.
You will have four concrete, actionable steps to follow. My 4-Step Process to IEPs is a plug & play strategy that can be used for any IEP situation, and, it makes it very difficult for IEP teams to say no.
And, you can focus on changing your child's outcomes.
There's another way to do this IEP stuff...
Imagine your child being set up for independence and success because you knew exactly how to advocate for the right supports at the right time.
In just a few days, you can completely change the IEP dynamics for your child and IEP team.
- You’ll know what matters most to review (not every little detail).
- You’ll have a short, focused list of evaluation areas to ask about.
- You’ll have ideas for goals, supports, and accommodations, without starting from scratch.
- You’ll understand what’s already documented, what’s missing, and where to push for more.
- No more sitting there thinking, “I don’t even know what to ask for.”
"I watched your videos, had all my data and I was just so prepared. We got everything we wanted, and what my son was entitled to, and didn’t ruffle any feathers of the IEP team while doing it.
Anyway, after we finally got our ask- the modified schedule- I still wanted to email you!
It felt like you were helping me the whole way, so I wasn’t doing it alone."
–Kaleigh Bradley, Tennessee
I've been where you are.
One of Kevin’s first first IEP meetings, I thought I was ready. I had read, researched, even gone through advocacy training. I spoke up. I made my case.
“Thank you for your input, Mrs. Lightner, but we’re not making any changes to this IEP today.”
Wait…what?! What just happened?
I left that meeting stunned. All those trainings? They told me the laws, the court cases, the rights my child was entitled to.
But none of them told me how to actually use that information in the room where decisions were being made.
And some gave me a unicorn list of everything Kevin “should” have, without ever teaching me how to effectively ask for it.
That day, I swore to myself (and him!) I’d figure this out. And I did.
More than that, I promised I’d teach every parent who would listen....so no one else has to walk out of an IEP meeting and feel powerless the way I did.
And that’s exactly why the Don’t IEP Alone Academy exists.
HOW DON'T IEP ALONE ACADEMY WORKS
If you’ve hesitated because you think this feels big or overwhelming, let me clarify how the Academy actually works.
Everything is available to you, but nothing is required. You move at your own pace. Full access. No pressure to “complete” anything.
Don't IEP Alone Academy was designed around one simple idea: real, meaningful IEP support that fits into real life. Not a massive program you need a clean calendar to start. Not something you have to mentally prepare for. Just focused help you can pick up, use, and come back to when you need it.
Inside, you’ll find short trainings, practical guidance, and clear explanations around IEPs, progress monitoring, data, meetings, and advocacy decisions. Each piece is there because it solves a specific problem that parents and educators run into over and over again.
You don’t have to “catch up.” You don’t have to start at the beginning. You don’t have to commit to doing everything.
You can come in with the question you have right now, get grounded, and move forward with more confidence than you had before.
That’s the whole point.
If you’ve ever thought, “I just need someone to explain this without making it harder,” this is built for that moment.
""It is definitely my go-to for guidance and tools, both as a parent of a daughter with a developmental disability and as an advocate in the community."
–Christina R., Professional Advocate
What Makes My Advocacy Training Different?
Simply put, there's no other program like it.
Sure, there are other websites with IEP training. But not many are built by someone who has sat in every seat at the table—as a special needs parent, a former teacher, and now an award-winning advocate and author. Most trainings are created by school staff or clinicians. Valuable? Sure. But they’re not coming from someone who’s walked in your shoes and fought for their own child’s services.
With the Don’t IEP Alone Academy, you don’t get dry, confusing, or generic information (yawn!). You get real-world, parent-to-parent training, everything I’ve learned from 16+ years of advocacy, delivered in plain language you can actually use. And you’re not on this journey alone. You’ll have access to a live, supportive community where you can get answers, share wins, and learn how to get to a “YES” faster at the IEP table.
This is the most practical, proven IEP help you’ll find online, trusted by thousands of families nationwide.
WHAT SETS DON'T IEP ALONE ACADEMY APART?
What Makes Don't IEP Alone Academy Different: It gives you a proven process and real-world strategies other programs leave out.
Most trainings either drown you in laws without showing you how to actually use them, or hand you lists of dream interventions without teaching you how to get them written into the IEP. The Academy bridges that gap, giving you both the know-how and the step-by-step strategies to make real change happen for your child.
And, Don't IEP Alone Academy offers lifetime access, so it's not just "do a workshop and go home" kinda training. Where maybe you make connections and find similarly situated parents, only to never see them again. We meet weekly throughout the school year and you're welcome to attend as often or as little as you wish--for life.
AS FEATURED IN
"I thought I was really good after IEPing for 10 years, but you opened up my understanding in ways I didn't even think possible."
-Janet P., IEP parent and teacher
- STEP 1 -
Lay Your Foundation
Master the Records That Drive Every IEP
The cornerstone of effective IEP advocacy is data and organization. Inside the Academy, you’ll learn exactly what to keep, how to store it, and for how long—so nothing ever gets lost or overlooked. You’ll also discover how to conduct a thorough Records Review that reveals gaps, missing services, and red flags.
And if you decide to go pro, these same systems can be used to keep clients and their records organized for the future.
- STEP 2 -
How to Ask Effectively
Know What to Ask For (And How!)
Once you’ve learned how to back up your advocacy with data, the next step is understanding what your child is entitled to and what’s appropriate to request. No more second-guessing with “Can I ask for this?” or “What should I ask for?” You’ll know before you make your ask.
With my process, advocacy becomes clear, direct, and far less time-consuming than the trial-and-error approach most parents struggle through.
- STEP 3-
Stay on Track, Easily
A Sustainable, Streamlined Process
The final piece is learning how to communicate (and follow up!) with your IEP team in a way that keeps the process moving forward, easily and consistently. You’ll have strategies for emails, meetings, and follow-ups, so you’re never left wondering what to say next or how to respond. The rules of the IEP process don’t change and with the right communication plan, you’ll be ready for whatever comes next.
If you decide to go pro, these same strategies can be scaled to manage multiple clients efficiently, without dropping the ball.
"I went from being a mom whose son never even had an IEP to a mom whose son was approved for a non-public school that can meet his needs. I went from being a total IEP rookie to an IEP all-star."
–Berlyn M., Mom
Real Parents. Real IEP Wins.
Results That Speak Louder Than Promises.
These aren’t “perfect parents” with endless time or resources. They’re everyday moms and caregivers who learned how to advocate with confidence, strategy, and support. If they can step into an IEP meeting prepared and come out with results, there’s no reason you can’t do the same.
"I purchased your program and after the first few lessons I had a game plan to approach the school. The way you explain the lessons are very understandable. Prior I had no experience with IEPs or 504 plans so it was a foreign language to me. Within 3 weeks I was able to draft up my parent concerns and for the first time the school took me seriously.
I am still learning and I know if I am unsure about a particular subject I can refer back to the academy."
Tracey Brinkley
"The Don't IEP Alone Academy was honestly more than I expected. As a certified special education teacher that saw my students being pushed through the system and now having two of my own children being pushed aside, I was disgusted, disheartened, and simply burnt out from fighting.
My approach is now more strategic and methodical. For beginners, Lisa provides great resources such as templates, guides, and flow charts. I have always said "you get what you pay for," but you will get more than what your pay for with Don't IEP Alone Academy."
Kimberly Eallonardo
"My advocacy has changed since beginning the Academy. The Academy has taught me the questions to ask parents about their child, their present levels, and their needs as well as what additional questions to ask to help gather the information I need to help. I am also advising parents on any assessments they may need and the ways parents should communicate with the schools.
The Academy is helping me to advise parents and I look forward to continue learning and to continue to help parents navigate the IEP process. Thanks to the Academy I have been able to help parents and I look forward to continue learning and helping parents advocate for their children."
Patty Epler
"When Lisa offered the IEP Academy package, I decided to invest and purchase the package. Things may be going ok now but I want to educate myself for all the future IEP steps and huddles my daughter will go through. It is a great deal because I know as things come up I will have access to all the library of materials Lisa has to offer.
And if something goes wrong and I have trouble accessing it, Lisa will do her level best to help. She is amazing, so sweet, has helped me in ways she doesn’t even know and with her Academy access, I am sure she will help me in the future."
Rachel Villa
"I was able to get my child into one of New York's state-approved private schools after a near two year battle with the NYC Dept. Of Education. I achieved this without attorney representation. I was represented by an attorney for two academic years- not once did the attorney advise me to submit a parent concern letter for inclusion in the IEP. And yet that part of the training was the game-changing piece for us. "
–Erma P, NY mom
Stop Struggling & Spinning Your Wheels
Start Seeing Results
When you purchase Don't IEP Alone Academy, you will have access to all the tools you need to understand and meaningfully participate in the IEP process for your own child or with clients.
HERE'S WHAT'S INCLUDED...
SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVOCACY TRAINING
I’ll walk you through my exclusive 4-step process for tackling IEPs in a series of short, focused trainings. Each session runs 30–60 minutes and is available on replay anytime you need it. You don’t have to absorb everything at once, just take it step by step, at your own pace. This is my core strategy, designed to give you a clear, repeatable plan for advocacy that actually works.
ON DEMAND ACCESS TO FIT YOUR SCHEDULE
On demand access means you can go through the course on your own schedule—no pressure, no deadlines. And whenever new IEP concerns pop up, you’re welcome to jump back into future live trainings or revisit the lessons as often as you need.
TOOLS FOR YOUR IEP TOOLKIT
I want every Don’t IEP Alone Academy member to have everything they need to become a stronger, more effective advocate. That’s why, beyond the core trainings, you’ll also unlock our full library of bonus programs and resources—including the complete IEP Toolkit—so you always have the right tools at your fingertips.
LIVE AND RECORDED SESSIONS-FOREVER
Want to dig deeper into topics like Assistive Technology, FBAs, or Discipline? As an Academy member, you’ll get access to live and recorded deep-dive sessions led by experts in the field. So you’re not just learning from me, but from specialists and attorneys who live and breathe these areas every day. And yes, you’ll keep lifetime access to it all. The summer and fall 2026 schedules are below.
NO RISK
Academy Participants have up 48 hours to request a refund. Just email us before then.
"I just wanted to say Don't IEP Alone Academy helped us tremendously to stay organized and focused through all the chaos of the process.
At first, my son was only on a 504 plan, but with the support of your information, I was able to successfully advocate for my son to receive his IEP. This really helped me navigate that process to hold the school personnel accountable and keep me on top of my son’s progress! Thank you!"
–Kim B., Mom
You’re about to have a plan, not just information.
You don’t have to do everything at once, you just need to know what to do next. This is designed for real parents with limited time, not perfect schedules.
Don’t IEP Alone Academy
Best for: Parents who want steady support they can return to whenever an IEP question or issue comes up.
What’s included:
- Access to live parent open office hours with Lisa and other experts.
- Clear guidance for evaluations, annual meetings, and IEP changes
- Full, lifetime access to the complete Don’t IEP Alone Academy training library
- Topic-specific training addressing common IEP challenges
- Practical tools to help you prepare, follow up, and make informed decisions.
$297 for a limited time (normally $397)
Don’t IEP Alone Academy
Live Sessions-Summer 2026
Planned Summer Sessions-(schedules and links emailed to you once you join) All sessions are Eastern/NYC time.
- May 20, 6 PM: Welcome to the Academy-Get Oriented, Get a Plan, and Ask Your Questions Live
- June 3, 6 PM: Summer Support: What to Focus On (Including ESY)
- August 12, 6 PM: Back-to-School IEP Prep: What to Do Now
$297 Included with Don't IEP Alone Academy
Don’t IEP Alone Academy
Live Sessions-Fall 2026
Planned Sessions: (schedules and links emailed to you once you join) All sessions are Eastern/NYC time.
- September 16, 6:00 PM: What to Do Now So This Year Goes Better Than Last
- September 24, 12:30: Real-Time Support for Whatever You’re Facing Right Now
- October 1, 12:30: Turn IEP Evaluation Results Into Real Support
- October 15, 12:30: School Refusal: A Clear Path Forward
- October 29, 12:30: Curriculum Modifications: How to Make Schoolwork Fit Your Child
- November 5, 19, Dec 3, 12:30 Real-Time Support for Whatever You’re Facing Right Now
$297 Included with Lifetime Access to Don't IEP Alone Academy (normally $397)
Academy + Pro Advocate Access
This is for those who want to go deeper, whether you're already advocating for other or wish to start.
- You’ll get everything inside Don’t IEP Alone Academy, plus access to the Pro Advocate section of the platform, including live Advocate Roundtable discussions held Thursday afternoons.
- Inside, we focus on the more complex, higher-stakes IEP situations—learning directly from attorneys and experienced professionals so you can handle layered cases with more confidence.
- You’ll also get guidance on the business side, including support for starting and growing your own advocacy work.
- Live Advocate Roundtables (2:00 PM):
September 24
October 1, 15, 29
November 5 & 19
December 3
Unlock Pro Advocate Access for just $100 more.
"Don't IEP Alone Academy is the best course I have ever taken."
–Lynn, Missouri
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Don't IEP Alone Right For Me?
WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH DON'T IEP ALONE ACADEMY?
To start, you’ll get the core webinars that walk you step by step through my proven 4-step process for becoming a stronger IEP advocate. You’ll also get all the printable materials that go along with them and lifetime access to everything. That means you can rewatch any session, anytime, as often as you need.
And it doesn’t stop there. New Live and Recorded Deep Dive trainings on specific topics like Assistive Technology, FBAs, or Discipline are added regularly, so your skills and knowledge will keep growing right along with your advocacy journey.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
In Don't IEP Alone Academy, you'll learn:
- How to do an IEP Records Review
- How to develop an action plan for an Annual IEP Meeting.
- How to be prepared with data for your asks.
- How to Effectively Use Procedural Safeguards
- Have a 4-step formula for every IEP issue or concern.
- You'll Be a Better Advocate for your child or others.
- Too much to list on one page!
IS THIS A REAL BOOK?
This is not a book, it is a comprehensive online learning and support system for IEP Parents.
Please keep in mind that all materials are delivered digitally in PDF format or video. You need internet access to participate.
CAN I GET A PHYSICAL COPY?
At this time our accompanying products are only available in digital PDF format. Many Parents use a service like Staples, Kinkos or BestValueCopy and get it printed and shipped to their home. Note: Much of the printed/printable material is worksheets, not a book that you'll read cover to cover.
HOW SOON AFTER PURCHASING WILL I RECEIVE MY PRODUCT?
You can access the pre-recorded content within minutes of signing up. All you have to do is commit to being a better advocate.
Replays will be available shortly after the live webinar. Once a live webinar is uploaded for viewing, you can watch it as many times as you wish. Or, join future live sessions as your schedule permits.
WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?
Participants can receive a refund as long as it is requested within 48 hours.
HOW DO I KNOW WHETHER DON'T IEP ALONE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
If you parent a child with an IEP, then this is for you.
Friends, Caregivers, Aunties, Foster Parents, Educational Surrogates, Grandparents, Godparents...you're all encouraged to take the course so you can be a support person for the one(s) you love.
CAN I BECOME A WORKING ADVOCATE WITH THIS TRAINING?
Yes, but know that there is no licensure or certification with this program. However, this is the exact process I use with my clients, so there's no reason why other advocates could not use it as well.
There is no single nationally required license or certification to become an Advocate. I'm one of the Top Special Education Advocates in the country, and I'm on a mission to share my knowledge with as many people as possible.
WHAT IF THE IEP TEAM STILL SAYS NO ?
I don't get satisfaction for my families just because I'm an advocate--it's because I know what I can support asking for on paper and what I cannot. And I know how to work toward getting data if we don't have it.
I cannot guarantee how any School Staff will respond.
But what I can tell you is this--With the Academy, you will know what you have data to support, and what you don't. And you will efficiently, effectively, and meticulously be following the IEP Process outlined by IDEA.
HOW DOES THIS WORK WITH THE LAWS?
Many training agencies just take you through IDEA and other laws, pointing out a few things here and there. I'm turning the advocacy process upside-down--we're taking an advocate's approach and working within the framework of IDEA.
Memorizing the laws isn't helpful. Having an action plan to implement, that follows the laws--that's helpful.
WHAT'S THE INVESTMENT?
Hiring an advocate is expensive. Many charge $50-$200 per hour and more. For the same price as what you would pay an Advocate for just a few hours, you will have a lifetime of advocacy skills. Don't IEP Alone Academy is on promotion now for $297, and $100 more for the Professional Advocacy components.
Still Wondering If the Academy Is Right for You?
“But I already speak up at meetings.” That’s great, and it’s a start. But speaking up isn’t enough unfortunately. IEP battles are fought and one over one thing--data & documentation--and so that's why so much of this course is about that. You have to be able to demonstrate why what you're asking for is FAPE for your child--and more importantly, why what the school district is offering you is not FAPE for your child.
“I don’t have time for this.” You don’t need hours a week. Each lesson is designed for busy parents—short, practical, and easy to apply. You’ll save far more time (and stress) by avoiding mistakes and delays that can set your child back months or even years.
“It costs too much.” What really costs too much are the lost services, missed progress, and years of trial and error when you’re navigating this system alone. This course costs as much as a few hours with an attorney or advocate. Payment plans are available at checkout.
“What if this doesn’t work for me?” I built the Academy from the same strategies that have helped thousands of families nationwide. These aren’t theories, they’re proven, real-world solutions. They work for those who implement them--I have countless examples. And you’ll have a community alongside you, so you’ll never be left figuring it out alone.
"If it wasn't for you, I don't know what would've been my son's high school years. Wish I had found this 5 years before I did, might have helped his older brother."
–Therese M, parent to two autistic young men
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