national fair learning initiative
Problem
Millions of parents face a complex, inaccessible special education system. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are legally mandated, but navigating the process requires expert-level knowledge, extensive documentation, and constant advocacy - especially for families of children with disabilities. This process is inequitable, time-consuming, and costly.
mission
To ensure all students with disabilities have fair and accessible education by supporting families through advocacy, technology, and research.
vision
To create a future where every student with a disability—regardless of income, location, or diagnosis—has equal access to an inclusive, effective education.
IEPnotes
IEPNotes is a cloud-based platform that replaces paper binders and emails with an organized, intelligent advocacy hub.
Built by parents, for parents - IEPNotes levels the playing field by providing powerful tools typically reserved for school systems.
impact
-Reduce IEP violations and FAPE denials
-Increase parent engagement and student outcomes
-Save families and school systems thousands in legal and consulting costs
- Support equity in special education, especially in underserved communities
The National Fair Learning Initiative (NFLI) is a parent-led nonprofit organization dedicated to making special education fair, transparent, and accessible for all families.Founded by parents who have personally navigated the complex IEP process, NFLI exists to level the playing field for children with disabilities—regardless of income, location, or background. We believe that access to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) should not depend on who can afford an attorney, hire an advocate, or understand legal jargon. That’s why we combine advocacy, technology, and research to empower families, improve educational equity, and strengthen accountability in special education systems.
our mission
To ensure all students with disabilities have fair and accessible education by supporting families through advocacy, technology, and research.
coming soon
iepNotes
To realize this vision, NFLI is developing IEPNotes, a cloud-based software platform that places data, documentation, and decision-making power directly into the hands of parents, advocates, special education professionals, and legal experts. The project’s core goal is to eliminate the information and access gaps that prevent families—especially those in under-resourced communities—from effectively navigating the IEP process.
what we do
Support Families: We provide tools, knowledge, and resources that help parents make informed decisions and effectively advocate for their children’s rights.Build Technology: We are developing IEPNotes, designed to simplify the IEP process, organize records, and use AI to highlight service gaps and compliance issues.Drive Systemic Change: Through data analysis and partnerships with educators, disability organizations, and policy leaders, we advocate for better practices, greater transparency, and more inclusive educational systems nationwide.
why we need your help
schools have teams of experts. parents often have binders and stress.
IEPNotes bridges the gap by turning paperwork into power - digitally, intelligently, and affordably. We're building the tool we wish we had when our kids were in the IEP process. With your help, we'll deliver it to families nation-wide - for free.
Support NFLI – Coming Soon
We’re building tools to empower families navigating special education—and we’ll soon be accepting donations to help fund this vital work. Your future support will help us:-Provide free resources and training to parents-Develop accessible technology like IEPNotes-Advocate for equity in education for students with disabilitiesDonation options will be available soon.
In the meantime, sign up for updates or contact us to learn how you can get involved.
partner with us
Are you part of a school, nonprofit, disability rights organization, or advocacy group? Let’s collaborate on pilots, research, and outreach.
volunteer your expertise
Are you a special educator, psychologist, speech therapist, or disability attorney? Your insights can help us train AI models and improve accessibility.
share your story
We want to hear from families, educators, and advocates navigating special education. Your experience can help shape better tools and policy.
join a focus group
Help test IEPNotes features before launch. We’re recruiting families, educators, and advocates to give feedback and co-design solutions.
Join our community
Interested in partnering with us, sharing a story, or voluntering. Contact us today—we'll keep you informed every step of the way.
Thank you
Thank you for contacting the National Fair Learning Initiative
resources
books
Autism
Assistive technology
ADHD
Disclosure: These products may contain affiliate links to products and services that support individuals with disabilities or help reduce barriers to learning. If you make a purchase through these links, the National Fair Learning Initiative may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our advocacy and accessibility efforts.
technology must haves
Visual timers and schedules
Transitions can feel like a battlefield for students with ADHD. One moment they’re immersed in Minecraft or reading about dinosaurs—the next, they’re expected to switch to math homework, dinner, or bedtime.It’s not defiance. It’s not laziness. It’s a brain wired to struggle with “what’s next.”
That’s where visual timers come in: tools that turn invisible time into something they can see, understand, and trust.As a parent, teacher, or caregiver, having the right timer can mean fewer meltdowns, smoother transitions, and a child who feels more in control of their time and emotions.These visual timers have earned rave reviews from families and professionals alike—and they’re all available on Amazon.
noise canceling headphones
Noise-canceling headphones are a powerful tool for improving focus, especially for students and individuals with ADHD or sensory sensitivities. By actively reducing background noise—like classroom chatter, household distractions, or city sounds—these headphones create a calm auditory environment that supports attention and reduces overstimulation.They are especially beneficial for:
ADHD and executive function challenges
Autistic individuals with sensory processing needs
Students working in busy classrooms or shared spaces
Remote workers needing to concentrate at homeBy minimizing sensory input, noise-canceling headphones help the brain stay on task, improve transition times, and reduce anxiety caused by unpredictable sounds.
finger focus
As a parent and advocate, I’m always looking for tools that truly support kids with dyslexia—and the Finger Focus Highlighter delivers. My child used to skip words and lose their place, but with this simple, colorful wand, reading became less frustrating and more focused. The colored overlays ease visual stress, and the finger-guided design helps them track each word with confidence. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and makes a big difference in how they engage with text. For any caregiver, teacher, or therapist supporting a struggling reader, this little tool is a game changer. We don’t read without it.
wobble stool
My child struggles to sit still during homework and meals, but this chair gives them a safe way to move without leaving their seat. The gentle wobble helps release energy and keeps their body engaged, which actually improves their focus. It’s perfect for kids with ADHD, sensory needs, or autism—helping them stay calm and centered without being disruptive.
A space for families seeking support, clarity, and direction in the world of special education.
blog
5 Best Visual Timers for ADHD Students That Actually Help with Transitions
Struggling with transitions and time management is common for kids with ADHD—but the right visual timer can make a big difference.
June 15, 2025
The growing demand for Special Education
In the United States, approximately 7.5 million students receive special education services under the IDEA. That number is expected to rise to 8.75 million by 2030, driven by shifting demographics
June 10, 2025
How Grammarly Helps My Child with Dyslexia Succeed in School
Grammarly supports children with dyslexia by improving spelling, grammar, and confidence—making writing easier and more accessible at home and in school.
June 10, 2025
How Speechify helped my child with Dsyarthria find their voice
A parent's personal story of how the Speechify text-to-speech app helped their child with Dsysarthria communicate more confidently in school and at home.
June 9, 2025
10 Ways Canva Pro Empowers Parents, Teachers, and Advocates in Special Education
Canva Pro helps parents, teachers, and advocates create clear IEP visuals, flyers, and toolkits—making special education communication more effective, accessible, and empowering for families.
June 10, 2025
How Audible Helped My Son with Dyslexia Access Grade-Level Books—and How His Teacher Made It Work for the Whole Class
Audible helped my son with dyslexia access grade-level books by combining audiobooks, print texts, and visual slides—creating an inclusive, multi-sensory learning experience that boosted his confidence and comprehension.
June 10, 2025
How the iPad Pro and Notability Are Changing the Game for Students with Disabilities
Notability helps students with disabilities take organized notes, record audio, and overcome handwriting challenges — all in one app.
June 11, 2025
Disclosure: These posts may contain affiliate links to products and services that support individuals with disabilities or help reduce barriers to learning. If you make a purchase through these links, the National Fair Learning Initiative may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our advocacy and accessibility efforts.