national fair learning initiative
families lead. systems change
Problem
Millions of parents face a complex, inaccessible special education system. Navigating the Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) process requires expert-level knowledge, extensive documentation, and constant advocacy - especially for families of children with disabilities.

© National Fair Learning Initiative. All rights reserved.
Hello
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, student, or advocate, this movement is for you.The National Fair Learning Initiative brings us together to fix what’s broken in the IEP process. We build tools like IEPNotes to help families track services, stay organized, and speak up with confidence—and we go further by funding direct support.Your support will also fund our grant programs, where we aim to help families access what their children actually need: private school scholarships, legal advocacy, therapies, independent evaluations, learning supports, and assistive technology like Speechify and AAC apps.Because special education isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about equity, access, and real outcomes.This is more than a platform. It’s a movement to change the system, support each other, and create a better future for students with disabilities.Let’s build it. Together—with parents, educators, advocates, attorneys, public institutions, and disability rights organizations.
Our mission
To improve the special education experience by empowering families, partnering with educators, advocates, and support providers, and creating tools that make the IEP process more transparent, equitable, and effective for every student.
Our Vision
A future where families, educators, and communities work together to ensure every learner receives the support, services, and opportunities they need to thrive.

NFLI on INstagram

The National Fair Learning Initiative (NFLI) is a nonprofit organization based in Maryland, founded by parents—each with a unique and deeply personal experience navigating the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process. Some of us are educators. Some are advocates. All of us are parents and have been in the room, fighting to make the system work for our children.We came together around a shared mission: to remove barriers, simplify special education, and empower families to advocate with confidence and clarity.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.Backed by a team of educators, school psychologists, and advociates, and shaped by our lived experiences, NFLI is committed to ensuring that no family is left to navigate special education alone.Together, we are reimagining what’s possible in special education—one IEP at a time.
coming soon

our core values
we support families
We provide tools, knowledge, and resources that help parents make informed decisions and effectively advocate for their children’s rights.

we build technology
We are developing IEPNotes, designed to simplify the IEP process, organize records, and highlight service gaps and compliance issues.

we 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.

How You Can Make a Difference
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.
Parents & caregivers
Your records aren’t just paperwork—they’re proof, power, and progress
Because better systems mean better support for students—and for you.Document what works and what’s missingCollaborate easily with teams and familiesReduce paperwork stress with tools that make sense

Teachers & Service Providers
You show up every day—let’s build tools that do too

Because better systems mean better support for students—and for you.Document what works and what’s missingCollaborate easily with teams and familiesReduce paperwork stress with tools that make sense
Advocates & Attorneys
Data is power—especially when it speaks for those who can’t
Because organized data strengthens advocacy and drives accountability.Use time-stamped records to build stronger casesSpot district-wide patterns fasterShift the balance toward fairness and justice

Disability Rights Organizations
Policy must be grounded in the people it protects

Because systemic change starts with real-world evidence.Analyze anonymized data to uncover inequitiesUse trends to guide policy and public pressurePush reforms rooted in lived experience
how to help
The National Fair Learning Initiative is more than a mission—it's a movement.
We’re building tools, funding families, and pushing for change in how special education works across the country
We Fund What Families Actually Need
Your support goes directly toward helping families access critical resources, including:Private school scholarships when public placements fail
IEP advocacy and legal support
Therapies like speech, occupational therapy, ABA, and vision
Assistive technology such as AAC apps, Speechify, and text-to-speech tools
Independent educational evaluations
Executive function coaching and academic tutoring
Access to IEPNotes — our cloud-based platform for organizing IEPs, tracking services, and advocating with confidence
We Build Tools That Empower
NFLI supports the development of IEPNotes and other user-informed tools that:Simplify complex IEP processes with visual dashboards
Centralize evaluations, goals, logs, and notes
Track progress and missed services
Reduce paperwork overwhelm for families and educators

Help Us Help Families
Every dollar fuels advocacy, access, and innovation.
By supporting NFLI, you’re not just funding a tool—you’re helping families get services and changing lives.
partner with us
Are you part of a school, nonprofit, disability rights organization, or advocacy group? Are you a parent, educator, or social media influencer? Let’s collaborate on pilots, research, and outreach.

volunteer your expertise
Your insights can help us train natural language processing models and improve accessibility.
share your story
We want to hear from families, educators, attorney's 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 people like you to give feedback and co-design solutions.
Our Strategic Initiatives (2025-2028)
1. Impact & Brand Awareness
2. Quality Engagment
3. Organizational Sustainability

Futures First Program: What Your Donation Supports
$20 donation provides basic educational supplies or contributes to low-cost therapies like speech or occupational therapy sessions.$50 donation helps fund access to IEPNotes and essential assistive technology apps that simplify organizing and advocacy.$100 donation supports part of advocacy services, such as helping families with IEP meeting preparation and consultation.$250 donation covers independent educational evaluations, which are crucial for accurate assessments and tailored learning plans.$500 donation contributes toward private or specialized school scholarships, opening doors to better learning environments.$1,000+ donation enables comprehensive support packages that include scholarships, intensive therapies, advocacy, and assistive technology—providing families with the full range of resources their child needs to thrive.
We will soon be accepting donations to help fund this vital work. In the meantime, sign up for updates or contact us to learn how you can get involved.
Join our community
Interested in partnering with us, sharing a story, or volunteering. Contact us today—we'll keep you informed every step of the way.
Thank you
Thank you for contacting the National Fair Learning Initiative
Tool Box
The Toolbox is a collection of tools and resources designed to support families navigating special education and daily life with children who have disabilities. Every item is chosen for its ability to make learning, communication, and organization easier and more effective.If you purchase through these links, you will be making a small donation to the National Fair Learning Initiative at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting our advocacy and accessibility efforts.
NEW!!!!
A curated list to help educators gain real insight into the disabilities they teach. These books offer lived experiences to support every learner with empathy, knowledge, and confidence.


Book recommendations to empower families, educators, and advocates with practical tools, insights, and strategies for navigating special education and supporting every learner’s unique needs.

Insights, tools, and real stories to help families and educators navigate special education, advocate effectively, and support every child’s learning journey with clarity and confidence.

Support regulation and attention with items designed to help kids stay calm, centered, and ready to learn.

Explore simple, effective tools that make reading, writing, and studying more accessible and less frustrating.

Set up smooth routines and stress-free spaces with visual schedules, planners, and home-based supports that actually work.

Discover tech tools that help kids communicate, learn, and grow—hand-picked with accessibility and independence in mind.

Adaptive tools and supports that help children navigate physical tasks more comfortably, confidently, and independently.

These are thoughtfully chosen products that support rest, nourishment, and moments of calm—because your well-being matters, too.
NFLI's summer reading list for teachers
A curated list to help educators gain real insight into the disabilities they teach. These books offer lived experiences to support every learner with empathy, knowledge, and confidence.












books
Book recommendations to empower families, educators, and advocates with practical tools, insights, and strategies for navigating special education and supporting every learner’s unique needs.








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.
self care
These are thoughtfully chosen products that support rest, nourishment, and moments of calm—because your well-being matters, too.
do your nails at home

No time for the salon? These press-ons give you perfect nails in minutes—zero dry time!
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.
home organization
Set up smooth routines and stress-free spaces with visual schedules, planners, and home-based supports that actually work.
Visual schedules

Visual schedules reduce anxiety by showing clear, easy-to-follow daily routines for kids with disabilities.
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.
reading & learning aides
Explore simple, effective tools that make reading, writing, and studying more accessible and less frustrating.
finger focus

A simple, effective tool to support visual tracking and reduce frustration for struggling readers. Helps kids with dyslexia stay focused, word by word.
text to speech

Supports dyslexic readers with multi-sensory access to grade-level books—pairing audio with print to build confidence and comprehension.
reading guide

Tinted plastic strips reduce visual stress and help readers stay on the right line.
text to speech

Reads printed text aloud instantly—perfect for dyslexia
Pencil Holder

Help kids position and hold pencils correctly for writing
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.
Sensory & Focus Tools
Support regulation and attention with items designed to help kids stay calm, centered, and ready to learn.
wobble stool

Supports focus and movement for kids with ADHD, autism, or sensory needs—allowing safe, calming motion without leaving their seat.
noise cancelling headphones

Reduce sensory overload and boost focus by blocking background noise—ideal for ADHD, autism, and busy learning environments. Calm minds, clearer tasks.
bouncy band

Bouncy Bands provide a quiet outlet for fidgeting by letting kids stretch their legs at their desk—boosting focus, reducing anxiety, and supporting sensory needs without disruption.
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.
Accessibility & Mobility
Adaptive tools and supports that help children navigate physical tasks more comfortably, confidently, and independently.
Coming Soon
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.
Technology & Apps
Discover tech tools that help kids communicate, learn, and grow—hand-picked with accessibility and independence in mind.
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.

Just honest reflections from our personal experiences navigating special education. Every post comes from the heart.
blog
You Don’t Need a Break From Your Child—You Need a Break From Being the Emotional Anchor

There’s a phrase that gets tossed around a lot in parenting circles: “You just need a break from your kid.”
But let’s be honest—that’s not quite right.
June 22, 2025
What The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins Taught Me About Parenting Through IEPs

This isn’t a special education book—but it speaks to IEP parents. You don’t have to control or fix everything. You don’t have to fight every battle. Let them.
June 22, 2025
How to Ask the Right Questions at an IEP Meeting — With Real Examples

Walking into an IEP meeting is overwhelming, but what matters most isn’t the binders—it’s the questions you ask. The right questions can change everything.
June 20, 2025
Top 10 Hardest Things About Being a Parent Navigating IEPs and Special Education Paperwork

Parenting is hard—but special education adds a whole new level. We’re smart and capable, but IEPs are a system we were never trained for. It’s not us—it’s the system.
June 20, 2025
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
Where’s the Phonics? A Closer Look at Lucy Calkins’ Reading Approach

This post explores Lucy Calkins' widely used reading curriculum and its long-standing lack of explicit phonics instruction. Learn why her approach has come under fire from literacy experts, how The New York Times reported on her curriculum overhaul, and what this means for families of children with IEPs, dyslexia, and reading challenges.
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.
Back to School Giving Campaign
This school year, your shopping can do more than fill backpacks—it can fuel futures.
As families and educators prepare for a new school year, many students with disabilities still face gaps in support and resources. At the National Fair Learning Initiative (NFLI), we’re committed to changing that — and we need your help.By shopping through our Amazon affiliate links, you can purchase essential back-to-school items while supporting NFLI’s programs. Every purchase generates a donation that funds scholarships, therapies, advocacy, and assistive technology for students who need it most.How It Works:Click the links below to shop your back-to-school essentials on Amazon.Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase to NFLI at no extra cost to you.Thank you for helping us put futures first. - NFLI
The Usual Suspects
1. Composition Books
2. Folders
3. [Binders]
4. Pencils
5. Crayons
6. Pens
7. Highlighters
8. Glue sticks

Extras You’ll Regret Forgetting

1. Composition Books
2. [Folders]
3. [Binders]
4. [Pencil cases]
5. [Crayons]
6. [Pens]
7. [Highlighters]
8. [Glue sticks]