Get the exact professional strategies, 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?
"I re-watched so many of your lectures and I 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. I have a whole life of advocating for my son ahead of me and I know how important this is. Anyway, after we finally got our ask- the modified schedule- I still wanted to email you!
I thought it might be nice for you to know that your “Don’t IEP alone” program is exactly that. I felt like you were helping me the whole way, so I wasn’t doing it alone. So many other parents are out there are doing the same thing. I hope you realize the huge difference you are making for so many families and the lives of our children by teaching these skills!"
–Kaleigh Bradley, Tennessee
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......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!
And I want to help you solve the endless IEP battles once and for all.
Since 2010, I have attended hundreds 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 paying 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 4 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.
CONSIDER WHAT'S POSSIBLE...
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 team.
- You will have reviewed and prepared every section of your IEP.
- You will have a list of IEP Evaluation Areas you want to ask for.
- You will have IEP goal suggestions for the team.
- You will have a list of suggestions for strategies, interventions and accommodations.
- You know what is documented and what isn't, and which areas require more data.
- No More "I don't know what to ask for."
The Beginning.
Kevin’s first kindergarten transition meeting—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.
"With Level II Autism, my son struggles to get to school. It is almost like he is frozen. It is like he is having a panic attack, but he turtles himself and 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
INTRODUCING DON'T IEP ALONE ACADEMY
The Special Education Advocacy Training That Will Help You Turn Overwhelm Into Results This School Year
Don’t IEP Alone Academy is a comprehensive lifetime-access program designed to help parents and future advocates learn exactly how to navigate the IEP process, write effective parent concerns, prepare for meetings, and hold schools accountable, so that your child finally gets the supports and services they need to thrive.
The Academy was originally created to help parents who felt overwhelmed and unheard transform into strong, strategic advocates, because I know firsthand how isolating and frustrating it feels to sit in those meetings without the right tools or support. So far, it’s helped dozens of parents step into meetings prepared, get better IEPs in place for their kids, and even launch their own journeys toward becoming advocates.
If you are a parent who wants to stop spinning your wheels, or if you’ve ever felt shut down, dismissed, or lost in the IEP process, this is an opportunity you will not want to miss.
Limited Time: $497 for Lifetime Access AND get "Your IEP Playbook" sent to you.
Join today and avoid costly, progress-delaying mistakes.
""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 on the market.
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 15+ 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 as you wish--for life.
Join the Academy Today and Get Your IEP Playbook—FREE!
When you enroll in the Don’t IEP Alone Academy, you won’t just get access to training, tools, and live support…
You’ll also receive a FREE copy of my brand-new book, Your IEP Playbook: A Parent’s Guide to Confident Advocacy.
This isn’t a “nice-to-have” resource. It’s your step-by-step field guide to navigating the IEP process with confidence.
Thousands of families already rely on my strategies, and this book pulls them all together in one easy-to-use guide.
It’s the perfect companion to the Academy; learn online, put it into practice with your child, and have a printed reference at your fingertips whenever you need it.
Free Book Offer Ends Soon!
(payment plans available at checkout)
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 Teachers. 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 was no longer that parent that verbally requested my concerns but now I know to keep track of everything, only send emails or concerns in writing. I am still learning everyday 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. I was shocked at what I didn't learn in college.
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 because I have my whole IEP life ahead of me. 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
$497 for lifetime access-payment plans available at checkout
"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
Get What You Need to CRUSH IT in IEP Meetings. 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.
YOUR IEP PLAYBOOK
And because I want you fully equipped for every step of this journey, your registration includes a copy of my book, Your IEP Playbook. It’s a practical, easy-to-use guide you can reference anytime—perfect to keep by your side during meetings or when you need a quick confidence boost before advocating. (offer expires 09/17/2025)
LIFETIME ACCESS TO FIT YOUR SCHEDULE
You’ll receive lifetime access, so 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.
NO RISK
Academy Participants have up 48 hours to request a refund. Just email us before then.
$497 for lifetime access-payment plans available at checkout.
"I just wanted to say your IEP advice helped us tremendously to stay organized through all the chaos of the process.
At first, my son was only on a 504 plan, but with the support of your information and tips, 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
Convenient Scheduling Options
Since launching in 2020, Don’t IEP Alone Academy has grown into a robust training hub with more than 80 modules in the library and you’ll have access to all of it! But don’t worry, you don’t have to do all of it to be an effective advocate.
Don't IEP Alone Academy is designed for today’s busy parents and teachers, whether you simply want better results for your own child, or you’re ready to turn advocacy into a side hustle or professional career.
Think of it as a resource bank you can dip into whenever you need it, choosing only the modules that apply to your situation and your child.
One Price = Lifetime Access + Free Book
IEP Advocacy Strategy
Learn the core 4-step process that makes advocacy less overwhelming and far more effective. These trainings give you the foundation to finally understand what your child needs—and how to ask for it.
- 30–60 minute sessions, easy to follow
- Hands-on activities using your child’s files (like record reviews)
- How to interpret evaluations with confidence
- What FAPE really means and how to use it
- Communicate effectively with your IEP team—and see results
$497 Included!
Live Chats & Guest Experts
Stay current, stay connected. Each season, you’ll have the chance to join live sessions with me, attorneys, and special education experts. Can’t make it live? Replays are always added to the library.
- Weekly parent sessions at 12:00 ET
- Weekly pro advocate sessions at 2:00 ET
- Fall 2025 Topics include advocacy in crises, SDIs, school refusal expert, alternative graduations, lobbying, and more.
- Guest experts like educational psychologists and attorneys.
- Seasonal schedules so you always know what’s coming next.
$497 Included!
Deep Dives on Key Topics
Go beyond the basics with expert-led sessions on the issues parents struggle with most. These in-depth trainings help you connect the dots and advocate at a higher level.
- Homework, placement, and eligibility decisions—demystified
- Writing strong IEP goals that work
- Understanding your parental rights & procedural safeguards
- Making sense of evaluations and what they reveal
- Transition planning workshop (6 parts)
- 53 total deep-dive sessions and counting
$497 Included!
Pro Advocate Track
Thinking about going pro? You’ll get guidance, tools, and mentorship to launch and grow your own advocacy business with confidence. Learn from both my experience and the collective wisdom of dozens of advocates.
- Business essentials: setup, legalities, branding
- Client acquisition and management strategies
- Fee structures that reflect your value
- Ongoing collaboration and support from fellow advocates
- Weekly connection to keep you moving forward--Many advocates have joined us just for the weekly live chats--problem solving and community.
$497 Included!
"Don't IEP Alone Academy is the best course I have ever taken."
–Lynn
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 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 RETURN 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.
If you have an attorney or currently in the stages of Due Process, please wait until you have completed that before enrolling.
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 ?
One of the unfortunate things about IEPs is that the system is not fair. It is stacked against parents. Some schools will say no until a parent either hire an attorney or stop asking. 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.
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.
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 $497 for lifetime access. At checkout there are payment plans available.
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
© 2025 A Day in our Shoes, LLC | POLICIES & DISCLAIMERS