As you go between lost and livid while wrestling through IEP plans, meetings with counselors, and confusing documents from the school, you sigh to yourself and think…
How can I best navigate this and finally get the assistance my child deserves?
Discover a NEW way of approaching the IEP system that gives you the strength, resources, and tools to become an empowered parent advocate for your child.
Avoid costly, frustrating, time-consuming, and progress-delaying advocacy mistakes with your child's IEP.
With the Don’t IEP Alone Academy, you’ll finally feel prepared, confident and ready to take on any meeting and challenges that come your way -- even if you’re a veteran disability parent.
AS SEEN IN
It’s 6 am and the big day has finally come.
After a long road of watching your child struggle at school, you’ve finally secured the long awaited IEP meeting with the team to see what options are available for your child.
Feeling hopeful and ready to show up big for your little one, you jump in the car and head down to the school.
With pen and paper in hand, you open the door to the meeting room and suddenly your optimism turns into a slight twinge of fear, as you start to question yourself...
Am I even prepared for this meeting?
I want my child to have a neuropsych evaluation, is that the right choice?
Do I need to bring an attorney with me? Or maybe a professional who specializes in these things?
A sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach tells you that this is going to be anything but easy.
The whole ordeal is a *bit* intimidating to say the least, but you persevere and tell the team all about your child's struggles and concerns, what you think they need, and what you would like to see happen.
What you get back is a completely different story.
It’s more testing… extra evaluations…
A principal dismissive of your concerns telling you that they should be addressed outside of the meeting so they can get to the goals of the individualized plan.
A school psychologist, BCBA and the head of the special ed department throwing around foreign terms.
“What even is a BCBA.....a PWN… What’s an FBA? A BIP what?” You say to yourself as you grow increasingly frustrated and confused.
After several weeks, and with IEP paperwork and evaluations in hand, you stop and think to yourself:
What happens now? What exactly am I supposed to do with all this information?
All you want is your child to receive an education that will help their minds grow and make them a contributing member of society.
Suddenly reality sets in and you realize -- I need help.
Throw in working a full time, demanding job, and navigating the daily challenges of motherhood -- IEP exhaustion sets in and snaps your once grounded common sense and organizational skills.
At this point in the process you need guidance and a hug.
Payment Plans Available--Click Button for More Information.
Unfortunate, but true.
Here's What No One Tells You.....
Sure, I've attended hundreds of IEP meetings. My view of this is different.
But what no one tells you is this--if you don't have some type of formal training, it's basically impossible to be an effective advocate.
I polled almost 75 advocates, and asked them, "Do you think a parent can be an effective advocate without some type of formal training?"
99% of them said, "NO."
You can see their answers below.
"...Your site is the best resource for IEP information! I direct other parents there and share information often. You are always accurate with the most current legal info, but I also appreciate your promotion of person-centered and empowered thinking."
–Michele W, Executive Director of Expect ExtraOrdinary
What if I told you there was another way of approaching the IEPs?
A strategic and proven process that allows you to confidently walk into a room with the knowledge and tools you need to navigate the system AND get your child the education they need and deserve.
Just imagine talking to your IEP team and having:
- Tools for a clear and specific action plan to use for every concern that comes up so that your IEP team listens to your concerns.
- Powerful advocacy skills and a support network you can turn to when the unexpected occurs.
- A crystal clear understanding of the IEP process and your parent/advocate role that gives YOU power in that decision-making process.
- Help and guidance to create clear, consistent, and effective communication with your IEP team, so no concern you have gets lost or misinterpreted.
- Resources to determine what your child needs, instruction on how to get the data to support those needs, and directions on how to confidently ask for it to school administration.
- Support and encouragement to share your knowledge, passion, and skills with other parents who share those same feelings and struggles.
- Curated information and insider tips that empower you to successfully advocate for your child to receive his or her IEP testing
- Resources to help you hold the school accountable and keep you on top of your child’s process.
As parents and advocates, we don't have a magic wand to fix all our IEP issues. But you CAN learn how to navigate the process with more ease using the roadmap I’ve created inside of this program.
If you’re ready for a manageable 4-step IEP process, so you can get your child the accommodations that they deserve, then I invite you to join hundreds of other parents inside of the Don’t IEP Alone Academy .
An empowering approach to the IEP system, designed to give you the tools to help you better understand and utilize your role as a parent/advocate so that you have an improved chance of moving your IEP team to "Yes!"
Hey There, I'm Lisa!
And I'm on a Mission to Help IEP Students and Their Parents.
When I started learning IEPs in 2010, my only plans were to understand the process to help my son.
As I volunteered more, I saw all the injustices and unfair treatment, and I wanted to help others.
Then I realized, I can't do this alone. The volume of need is overwhelming at times.
The world needs more Parent Advocates.
Over the past 13 years, I have attended hundreds of IEP meetings and helped hundreds of families be heard. I can troubleshoot IEPs in my sleep! (and sometimes I do)
Once I figured out a system that could be repeated for any IEP concern, I told myself I wasn't going to stop until I could teach as many people as I could.
So that's what I do. I've developed a 4-Step Process for IEPs™ that applies to any IEP situation.
Evaluations, changes to the IEP, even your annual IEP meeting--you can run your situation through the 4 steps and have an action plan to address your concerns.
CONSIDER WHAT'S POSSIBLE...
Imagine having an Action Plan that works for every IEP Concern that comes up.
Here's what that can look like in just a few weeks.
- An Action Plan to use for every IEP concern that comes up.
- A Lifetime of Advocacy Skills and Support Network.
- Private training and networking sessions just for working advocates.
- Clear understanding of the IEP process and your (parent/advocate) role and power in that decision-making process.
- How to help clients with consistent, effective communication with your IEP team.
- You'd know how to determine what a child needs, if you have the data to support it, and how to confidently ask for it.
- Develop better IEP habits and systems using a proven technique and system.
- Share your knowledge, passion and skills with others.
There is no magic wand to fix all our IEP issues.
But I do have the roadmap for a manageable IEP process that you've been waiting for, and a system to replicate it.
"Don't IEP Alone Academy is the best course I have ever taken."
–Lynn
Scheduling Options to Match your Busy Life
Live Sessions are Held on Thursdays.
If you cannot attend the live session, you can watch the recordings at your convenience.
Once you register for Don't IEP Alone Academy, you have lifetime access to all future live and recorded sessions, as well as the Live Q&A sessions.
INTRODUCING DON'T IEP ALONE ACADEMY
Master the IEP Process and Go From Chaos to Calm.
Don't IEP Alone Academy is a revolutionary way of approaching the IEP system, designed to help you better understand and utilize your role as a parent/advocate so that you have an improved chance of moving your IEP team to "Yes!"
This Online IEP Coaching Academy was created to help parents be better, more effective IEP advocates for their kids and because not every parent has access to an advocate. So far, I have helped hundreds of families.
We all have piles of IEP papers all over our homes, right? How do you know what to keep, what to discard, what matters, and what data you need more of? How do you get an IEP Team to not just hear your concerns, but actually listen to them?
If you are interested in Leveling Up your IEP Advocacy Skills, this is for you.
So you're trying to navigate all this IEP stuff, huh?
I'm going to show you how to eliminate objections and resistance in the IEP process.
Because if I can get to yes for my child... Help others get to yes for their children...
Then I can help YOU get to 'yes' too.
But first, picture this -
The IEP meeting had just ended.
“That went pretty well,” you confidently say to yourself walking towards the school parking lot.
There was a thorough discussion of the ins and outs of your child's disability…
A roundtable conversation about academic modifications, appropriate breaks, and redirects…
Schedule changes were discussed and observed…
You spoke up and voiced your concerns, opinions, and recommendations to the staff and they seemed to be attentive to your needs.
That is... until you received a copy of the new IEP a few days later.
As you sat back and read over the new document you couldn’t believe your eyes.
Absolutely NOTHING (... and I mean nothing) you agreed to was on the IEP.
> No modifications to tests and homework (which you specifically asked for)
> No language regarding sensory breaks (which you strongly advocated for)
> Nothing regarding changes to your child's schedule (which you directly requested)
"That's it!" you burst out in anger, "I'm going down to the school again and discussing this with the staff."
But when you arrive at the administrative office the next day to voice your concerns, the SPED supervisor tells you,
“I wasn’t aware of that agreement, I’ll have to look into that when I have time next week.”
Desperate for answers, you whip out your child's IEP and tell him to take another look. And instead of engaging with you further he says, “I’m going to need to speak with my other supervisor after her meeting to see what’s going on.”
As you walk away without any answers once again, you sigh to yourself, "How could I be so naïve."
* buries face in hands *
All you want is for your child to get the services they need, get the education they deserve, and create a safe environment for them and the rest of the classroom.
Instead, you're feeling shrugged off, steamrolled, and gaslit.
With the lack of changes… despite speaking up.
The bullying and anxiety your child experiences… despite voicing your concerns.
And the school's lack of refusal to do... well, anything.
You begin to wonder if all of the fight is even worth it and seriously begin to contemplate pulling them from the system altogether and homeschooling.
You see other parents at local get-togethers and inside Facebook groups get the accommodations they need for their child.
But you're still stuck and frustrated wondering...
How can I get my team to listen to me - and what separates a yes from a no?
" The biggest role it played in me helping my son was that I didn’t know ANYTHING about IEPs at the time. Therefore, I didn’t know anything was required, that I had rights, and that I played a key role in the process. Because of the organizer (and the questions it helped me generate), 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, parent and teacher
EXPERIENCE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING AN IEP COACH
Before you Purchase Don't IEP Alone:
I UNDERSTAND that my RISK-FREE Don't IEP Alone Academy Purchase Includes:
- Yes! I understand that I will have UNLIMITED LIFETIME ACCESS to Don't IEP Alone Academy for one price.
- Yes! I understand that I have 72 hours to request a FULL 100% REFUND.
- I understand that I will have full access to the Don't IEP Alone Academy comprehensive library of printable worksheets, documents, planners, and other IEP tools.
- I will be eligible for all future webinars, live or recorded.
- If I put the time and effort into this training, I will become a better IEP advocate.
- I will learn how to develop an IEP strategy, learn what to ask for and how to ask for it, and increase my chances of moving an IEP team to YES!
- STEP 1 -
Beginning
The cornerstone of effective IEP advocacy is data and organization. You'll learn what to keep, how to keep it, and for how long. You'll also learn how to do an effective Records Review. Plus how to easily keep clients and their records organized for the future.
- STEP 2 -
Middle
Next, once you learn what you can support with data, we'll learn what you're entitled to and what is appropriate to ask for. No more "What should I ask for?" or "Can I ask for this?" You'll know before you make your ask. Advocacy doesn't have to be as time consuming as it is, with my process.
- STEP 3-
More
Then, together we'll develop a communication and follow-up strategy for you to use with your IEP team.
We'll review all the options and responses--because the IEP process never changes. Only the kids do.
- Special Education Advocacy: Learn my exclusive, trademarked 4-step process to getting your IEP team to YES.
- Lobbying and Systems Change: Learn how to interact with your legislators to begin to create real change for our kids, whether it's the state or federal level. (think: full funding of IDEA)
- Professional Advocacy: Want to do this whole IEP thing as a new career or side hustle? We'll get you started, plus live weekly Advocate Chats to "talk shop" with other advocates.
- Deep Dives: Take a Deep Dive into a specific IEP topic such as ESY, behavior or IEP evaluations. By the end of 2023, it will include 40+ options!
Speaking up for your child at these meetings is just one very small part of the entire process.
In order to get the results you want AND the outcome your child deserves, you need:
One part strategy
+
One part paper trail
... and how exactly do I know?
I've made it my life's mission to give parents/advocates like you the resources you need to make a more informed decision regarding their child with disabilities and their IEP.
And now I'm taking everything I've learned and turning it into a resource you can use inside this revolutionary new program.
"The IEP process is frightening and can make a person question their knowledge, ability, and confidence. Every time I walk into an IEP meeting with these materials in my hands, my confidence is restored because I go into the meeting organized, structured, and ready to take on what is often very scary. The practical tips help me feel empowered because I know I can refer to them — quickly — when I start to lose my focus or when doubt in my ability to advocate creeps in. Overall, having this instills confidence for me because I know I am prepared and ready… and this helps me stay calm and allows me to do what I need to for my child."
–Nicki, Attorney
REAL RESULTS THAT SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES.
What makes Don't IEP Alone Academy special is that I am both a parent and an experienced, award-winning advocate. But, I've never forgotten what it's like to be a confused, frustrated IEP parent. I explain this in ways that you'll "get it." LIFETIME ACCESS means any time you have a question, you come back and ask.
Patricia S says:
"Thank you. Your information has been very helpful while I’m trying to navigate this world. Thank you for helping me learn how to advocate."
Beth W says:
"I just want to thank you for all that you do. You help so many kids by helping us.... THANK YOU LISA!!!💕💕"
"It helped me to be on even footing with the IEP teams for both of my sons. It didn't just help me stay organized. I was able to review what was working and what wasn't, and it also lets me plan for the future. An added bonus was that I looked professional at IEP meetings, so my concerns were taken seriously."
–Mayra Z
HERE'S WHAT'S INCLUDED...
Get What You Need to CRUSH IT in IEP Meetings.
Again and Again.
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 with your own child or with clients.
LIVE TRAINING
I'm going to take you through my exclusive 4-step process to tackling IEPs and will do that with 7 webinars. Each webinar is 30-60 minutes. Bring your questions to the weekly live Q&A sessions. Once you've gone through the training, you can return for future (live) sessions or watch replays as often as you want.
LIFETIME ACCESS TO FIT YOUR SCHEDULE
If you can't make a session, watch the replay. You receive LIFETIME ACCESS, so if something comes up, you can complete the course when you have time. If you have IEP concerns in the future, you're welcome to rejoin some or all of future live training sessions.
TOOLS FOR YOUR IEP TOOLKIT
I want to make sure that our Don't IEP Alone Academy members have everything you need to make you a better IEP advocate. Which is why, in addition to all of the LIVE and recorded webinars, you get all the tools in the IEP toolkit.
BONUS MATERIAL ADDED OFTEN
Want to do a deep dive on a topic like Assistive Technology, FBAs, or Discipline? In addition to the series of 7 webinars, bonus deep-dive content (33 modules!) on specific areas will be added often. The IEP Toolkit is updated about every 18 months. And again, you'll have access to it for a lifetime!
NO RISK
Academy Participants have up to 72 hours after the start to request a refund. For the Fall 2023 session, this means email us by October 1 to request it.
"Lisa, I could not limit how much I love this to a sentence or two: Your IEP organizer, your information...it all makes sense out of nonsense. You remind.... to stay focused and get the job done. I admire you (and perhaps even envy) your steadfastness and determination. Take care!"
–Mary M, Mom to 2 kids with Autism, ADHD, and Learning Disabilities
Convenient Scheduling Options
Special Education Advocacy
Pre-Recorded
- Intro and Recap of the Previous Lesson
- Live Q&A each week during school year (minus holiday weeks)
- Hands-on learning activity using your child's files, such as how to do a record review.
- How do I interpret a child's evaluations?
- What is FAPE? What can I ask for on an IEP?
- How to communicate effectively with an IEP team.
- 88+ pre recorded sessions in Training Library, in all.
$297
Fall 2023 Schedule
Live Sessions 2023
- September 28: 12:00-Navigating the Course Platform and how to get around to the content followed by open Q&A; 1:30 Professional Advocate Chat
- October 1, 2, 3, 4: Jump start your advocacy training; a pre recorded video will go out daily via email
- October 5, 12:00: IEP Implementation, what to do if it's not being followed, and how do you know?; 1:30 Professional Advocate Chat
- October 12, 12:00 IEP Components Part 1; 1:30 Professional Advocate Chat
- October 19, 12:00 IEP Components Part 2; 1:30 Professional Advocate Chat
- October 26, 12:00 Brief overview of affiliate program to earn money; 12:15 Open Q&A for Parents, 1:30 Professional Advocate Chat
- November 2, 12:00 This week's deep dive is more for professional advocates--navigating advocacy when you have English Language Learners and their families (IE-Parents are not native English speakers); 1:30 Professional Advocate Chat
- November 9, 12:00 Another Deep Dive mostly for advocates--How do I find clients? (by popular request); 1:30 Professional Advocate Chat
- November 16, 12:00 What's the Latest in Systems Advocacy and Legislation? 12:30 Parent Q&A; 1:30 Professional Advocate Chat
- November 23 is Thanksgiving
- November 30 and December 7, both weeks are open Q&A at noon, Pro Advocates at 1:30
$297 Included!
"....has helped in more ways than I can tell you. I have custody of 2 grandsons with autism and this was new unchartered territory for me. You have shown me what questions that I need to ask and have saved me precious time in placing all of my documents in order so that I can turn to them as needed without having to hunt for them. Again, thank you so much."
–Lori H, IEP Grandparent
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS....
Is Don't IEP Alone Right For Me?
WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH DON'T IEP ALONE ACADEMY?
To start, you get 7 Webinars taking you through the 4 step process to being a better IEP advocate.
You have access to these pieces of training, live or recorded, for a lifetime. Including all the printable materials. After the 7 Initial Sessions, you can return to all or part of the live or recorded sessions as often as you wish. Plus, Deep Dives on specific topics will be added regularly.
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.
- How to 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 or future professional advocates.
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 within a few hours of 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.
WHAT IS YOUR RETURN POLICY?
Participants can receive a refund as long as it is requested by October 1, 2023 for the fall 2023 session.
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 $297 for lifetime access.
"Thanks for everything you do. Your knowledge is a gold mine!"
–Karen F, IEP Parent
100% Money-Back Guarantee
Not happy with the Academy? Just email us within 72 hours and tell us why. No, this is not a "No Questions Asked!" refund policy. If you're not happy, we have questions so we can improve it for future participants. IEP @ ADayInOurShoes.com.
© 2021 DON'T IEP ALONE | POLICIES & DISCLAIMERS