In this special episode of "Don't IEP Alone," Lisa Lightner shares her personal journey of setting boundaries with family amid political and social divides, especially as a special needs parent and advocate. She discusses the grief of lost relationships, the importance of protecting your energy, and how the disability community can find support and understanding—even when it means creating your own village. An honest conversation about family, advocacy, and staying strong when facing adversity.🔴 Is Your Child's IEP Working?: 👉https://dontiepalone.com/iep-progress/ℹ️ IEP Present Levels for Teachers:  https://dontiepalone.com/sale-iep-present-levels/🧰 IEP Meeting Toolkit: https://dontiepalone.com/iep-meeting-preparation-toolkit/🚀 Sign Up for Special Education Advocacy Training: https://access.dontiepalone.com/dont-iep-alone-sale/⚠️More on IEP Progress Monitoring: https://adayinourshoes.com/how-to-monitor-iep-progress-for-parents/🎯 Free IEP Goal Tracker: https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-goal-tracker/🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 Join A Community of Parents and Advocates who "get it":  https://village.adayinourshoes.com  Facebook.com/ADayInOurShoesIEPInstagram: @DontIEPalone  Don't IEP Alone with Lisa Lightner, Special Education Advocate The IEP process never gets easier. YOU get better.How? With specific action steps and training.Visit ADayInOurShoes.org for more information. Thank you for listening to this episode of Don't IEP Alone. See you next time!Support the showOther ways I can help you with IEPs: 📚 Order my book