A Day in our Shoes + Don’t IEP Alone

Whether you’re preparing for your first IEP meeting or writing your hundredth IEP, you’ll find resources to help you make informed decisions. Created by special education advocate Lisa Lightner, A Day in Our Shoes has helped millions of parents, teachers, and advocates since 2010 understand special education, navigate IEPs and 504 plans, and advocate for the services and supports students need to succeed in school.

Most Read Articles

They say it takes a village. You found yours.

Helping Parents and Teachers Make IEPs Work, Together.

IEP help for parents and teachers so you can write stronger IEPs, ask for the right supports, and see real progress at school.

Parent reviewing school paperwork while learning about the iep process

Advocacy Training

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Teacher and students working together during a lesson

CECs for Teachers

Meaningful CECs that help your workload.

Preferential seating is a common 504 plan accommodation.

Free IEP Goal Bank

Meaningful progress starts with well written goals.

A woman in a white blouse and patterned skirt sits on a white bench against a red brick wall, smiling at the camera—a reminder that you don't iep alone, as a day in our shoes supports every step.
Special Education Advocate + Author

Meet Lisa Lightner

Since 2010, I’ve supported families as a Special Education Advocate, helping parents navigate the IEP and 504 process with more confidence.

The resources here also reflect the insight of advocates, teachers, attorneys, and professionals who contribute their expertise. More about me.

Your IEP Playbook: A Parent’s Guide to Confident Advocacy

Finally! The IEP help book you’ve been waiting for! This gives you a step-by-step way to understand what’s happening and why. You’ll know how to spot problems, ask for the right supports, and make sure your child’s plan actually works.

Buy Now

Don’t leave empty handed–Grab our most popular free resources.

Mom having coffee and doing quarterly updates iep binder

IEP Binder for Parents

Say goodbye to the chaos of IEP paperwork! Get 10 free IEP advocacy tools, and a simple, effective way to keep all your child’s IEP documents, goals, and progress tracking in one place.

Free IEP Binder for Parents
Image featuring the iep present levels planner, offering free pdf planning guides and worksheets designed for case managers and special education teams. Includes a "ready to print" badge for easy use.

IEP Present Levels Planner for Teachers

Download this free PDF packed with ready-to-use data IEP present levels planners and starters; designed to save time and keep you organized.

Free Instant Download