• 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.

Hey! I’m Lisa Lightner.

And welcome to my corner of the internet. Back in the mid 2000s, my husband and I had our first child. I knew right from the moment of delivery that something was “off” but it wasn’t until a few months later that we’d get his rare chromosome disorder diagnosis.

That time in our life is a blur, but I have come to appreciate it because it has led to where I am right now– and that is, one of the nation’s leading Special Education Advocates, author and mom.

I’ve been advocating since 2010 and created A Day in Our Shoes to help other parents navigate the IEP and 504 process without losing their minds, or their child’s services.

See Where I’ve Been Published and FEatured

You’re here because something feels off. Your gut is telling you your kid isn’t getting what they need at school. Maybe they’re struggling, maybe you’re being told “everything is fine,” or maybe you’ve had it up to here with being ignored and gaslit by your district.

Or, you’re in the classroom, struggling… and you just know that this could be better for you and your students.

I see you. I was you.

A woman with sunglasses and a blue top is smiling at the camera, taking a selfie with a young man in a blue top who looks into the camera with a transition iep goals bank half-smile

What I do.

This site (and the millions who read it) exists to help you:

Figure out what to ask for.

Because half the time, you don’t even know what you don’t know.

Decode the IEP mess.

Goals, accommodations, data tracking, progress reports…yeah, it’s a lot. I break it down in plain English.

Communicate like a pro.

No more playing phone tag or getting caught off guard. Email templates and documentation strategies are your new best friends.

But….

Most Importantly…

Stop spinning your wheels. Tired of going to IEP meetings and walking out with nothing to show for it? Let’s change that.

  • A child sits on a green chair, holding a phone to their ear and a green object in their hand—a thoughtful gift for autistic teens seeking comfort in familiar routines.
  • A woman demonstrating motor planning skills with a baby in a swimming pool.
  • Littl
  • Kevin bowling for free
  • A woman with sunglasses and a blue top is smiling at the camera, taking a selfie with a young man in a blue top who looks into the camera with a transition iep goals bank half-smile
  • 3 people in front of camera
  • Me, kevin and governor ed rendell
  • Kevin visiting with the goats at baily's farm.
  • My kids lined up ready to roll their eggs
  • Kevin and i with little lobbyists and congresswoman scanlon
  • Young disabled boy greeting a ninja turtle in orlando
  • Lisa lightner and kevin lightner
  • Paddle boat in water with child and life vest with monument in background
  • Kid smiling
  • Disabled child introduction
  • Child overlooking bryce

Real tools for real parents

I’ve created two programs based on what I wish I had when I started:

  • The IEP Toolkit – Binder pages, goal banks, letter templates, and a private forum with expert guidance.
  • Don’t IEP Alone – My signature course that teaches you how to advocate like a boss (without needing a law degree).

Both are rooted in a system that works: documentation, data, and knowing your rights. Not vibes. Not blind trust. Just facts, strategy, and support.

Why it matters

You’re not asking for too much. You’re asking for what the law already says your kid is entitled to. I’m just here to make sure you get it—and maybe feel a little less alone while you do.

Whether your child is 3 or 23, whether you’re brand new or already halfway buried in Prior Written Notices, there’s space for you here.

No nonsense. No toxic positivity. Just clear answers, support, and probably a few sarcastic jokes to keep us all sane.

Let’s get your kid what they need. And, let’s make it easier for teachers to help our kids.