AI for families, by families
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are designed to ensure students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed in school. But for many families and educators, the process can be complex, time-consuming, and difficult to navigate.
AI for families, by families
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are designed to ensure students with disabilities receive the support they need to succeed in school. But for many families and educators, the process can be complex, time-consuming, and difficult to navigate.
AIEP (AI for IEPs) is a free, open-source, community-driven AI tool that helps families better understand and engage with IEPs, improving communication and collaboration with educators and the student’s IEP team. AIEP was built and co-designed by families, technologists and researchers from the Burnes Center for Social Change at Northeastern University with input from educators and special education experts. The tool translates, summarizes, and clarifies IEP documents so everyone involved in a student’s education can participate with confidence.
AIEP can:
- Summarize key information from the IEP document
- Translate the IEP summaries into multiple languages (to date: English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Mandarin)
- Provide clear, accessible definitions for complex legal terms
- Help families prepare for IEP meetings
How AIEP Was Built
A Community-Driven Timeline
AIEP represents a new model for responsible AI in education, one where communities help design the technology meant to serve them.
How AIEP Was Built
A Community-Driven Timeline
AIEP represents a new model for responsible AI in education, one where communities help design the technology meant to serve them.
2022
Families of students with IEPs in San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) advocate with district leaders to pass a policy requiring timely, quality translation and interpretation for families navigating the IEP process
December 2022
Innovate submits a proposal to Senator Anthony Portantino to author a bill guaranteeing timely, quality IEP translation and interpretation for California families
February 2023
Senator Portantino introduces SB 445, Innovate co-sponsors the bill with Disability Rights California and Educate.Advocate. Families of students with IEPs meet with the Senator numerous times to co-write and revise the bill.
September 2024
SB 445 passes, requiring the new statewide IEP template be translated digital IEPs into the 10 most commonly spoken languages across the state
2024-25
AIEP Tool creation: Families work closely with the Burnes Center for Social Change at Northeastern University to develop an AI-generated tool to summarize and translate IEP documents
2025
Innovate pilots the AIEP tool with 200+ families across San Francisco Unified School District. Many more families, educators, and education leaders receive training on the tool
2026
The AI for Civic Engagement course developed by the Burnes Center for Social Change is piloted with California families
2026
AIEP tool launches publicly
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I log in?
When you log in, you’ll receive a code by email to set a password or a one-time code for phone log ins. Only one option, either email or phone, will be active for your account.
Do I need to end my session to erase my IEP completely?
The IEP is already deleted as soon as it’s processed and the summary created.
What happens to the summary of my IEP?
Your summary is saved securely in your account so you can come back to it anytime, even if you log out.
Can I print my summary?
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Who can see my IEP or summary?
Only you. The AIEP team cannot see your IEP, while it is being processed, or your summary.
Is my data secure?
Yes. We take your privacy seriously. Your IEP file is deleted immediately after processing, and only you can see your summaries.
Does AIEP keep my IEP file?
No. Your IEP file is deleted right after it’s processed. The system only shows the file name so you know which document you uploaded, but the file itself is never stored. You don’t need to do anything extra, your IEP is erased automatically after processing for your privacy.
Does AIEP translate my IEP
Not the full IEP. AIEP translates the summary of your IEP into the language you choose.
Is the AIEP tool changing my child's IEP or their services?
No. The AIEP tool does not make any changes to your child’s IEP or the services they receive. It only translates and summarizes the information already in the IEP to make it easier to understand.
Can I use AIEP on my phone or tablet?
Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.
What if I lose access to my account?
You can request a new login code through your registered email or phone number.
How long will AIEP be free to use?
Always. AIEP is free for everyone.
What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a plan created under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It provides specialized instruction, services, and support to help a student meet their unique learning needs. A 504 Plan, on the other hand, is created under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. It provides accommodations (like extra time on tests or preferential seating) so the student can access learning in the general classroom but does not include specialized instruction.
Where can I get a copy of my child's IEP in PDF form?
You can request a copy directly from your child’s case manager or the school’s principal. They can provide you with the official PDF document and answer any questions you may have about it.
