Family Matters PTIC Podcast

Family Matters PTIC Podcast

by Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center
Education for KidsParenting
Season 3

Your Voice, Your Vote: REV UP Illinois and the Power of the Disability Vote

In this episode of the Family Matters podcast, Abbi Mars talks with Rio Goodwin Perez from REV UP Illinois about the power of the disability vote. They discuss common barriers to accessible voting, the importance of disability-led advocacy, and how families, educators, and transition professionals can help young people with disabilities prepare for civic participation. Listeners will also learn practical ways to understand their voting rights, create a voting plan, and become involved in their communities throughout the year.
S3 · E7
Oct 5, 2026
23:20

Beyond the Classroom: Turning Activities, Interests & Volunteering Into Your Future

In this student-friendly episode, we explore how extracurricular activities, clubs, community involvement, and volunteering can help transition-aged youth discover their interests and prepare for future careers. Students will learn how getting involved can build job skills, friendships, social skills, and self-advocacy—and how having a disability should never stop them from exploring activities and opportunities that interest them.
S3 · E6
Sep 29, 2026
9:46

The District Said No—What Comes Next?

What can parents do when a school district denies requested special education services? In this episode, Lynn explains families’ rights under IDEA, important Illinois protections, and what a denial may look like. She also shares practical steps parents can take, including requesting decisions in writing, reviewing prior written notice, keeping records, and exploring dispute-resolution options.
S3 · E5
Sep 8, 2026
18:56

Becoming an Educational Surrogate Parent

In this episode, Paula explains the important role of an Educational Surrogate Parent (ESP), how ESPs support students with disabilities in the special education process, and how interested individuals can become involved. Listeners will learn how becoming an ESP can make a meaningful difference in a student’s education and future.
S3 · E4
Aug 24, 2026
17:35

Back to School: Making This High School Year Count

Using Charting the LifeCourse to Strengthen Your Student's Transition Plan
S3 · E3
Aug 6, 2026
10:37

Staying in High School Past Senior Year: What Illinois Students with IEPs Should Know

AI
In this episode, we explore what Illinois families need to know about students with IEPs staying in high school past their senior year. We explain how students may continue receiving special education services until the end of the school year in which they turn 22, when the IEP team determines additional transition support is needed. The episode also covers the importance of IEP team decision-making, transition planning, and Brittany’s Law, which allows students to participate in graduation ceremonies while continuing services. Families will learn how these additional years can help students build skills for employment, independence, and adulthood.
S3 · E2
Apr 1, 2026
8:23

Charting a Whole Life: The Power of Student-Centered Transition Planning

Join Abbi Mars, Transition Facilitator with Family Matters PTIC, for a meaningful conversation on the importance of student-centered transition planning and how the Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) framework helps students plan for a full, meaningful life beyond school. This episode explores how CtLC tools empower students, families, and professionals to focus on strengths, build self-advocacy skills, and create transition plans that reflect real life—not just graduation requirements. Listeners will also learn about exciting new FMPTIC initiatives launching in 2026, including the Charting My Course virtual self-advocacy group for students ages 14–22 and the Charting the LifeCourse Interactive Monthly Series. Ideal for students, self-advocates, families, and disability professionals.
S3 · E1
Jan 12, 2026
9:22
Season 2

What's New at FMPTIC

Family Matters is a podcast from Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center (FMPTIC) sharing updates, resources, and guidance to help families of children and young adults with disabilities navigate special education and transition planning with confidence. Learn how FMPTIC’s expanded services — now including the Chicago metro area — support families across Illinois through education, advocacy, and person-centered planning.
S2 · E11
Jan 13, 2026
6:49

August 2025 Back to School

In this episode of the Family Matters PTIC Podcast, we share practical tips for helping students with disabilities transition smoothly back to school. Learn how families can build supportive routines at home, strengthen partnerships with teachers and school staff, and use tools like the Charting the LifeCourse one-pager to improve communication. We’ll also talk about simple ways to check in with educators throughout the year to ensure ongoing success.
S2 · E10
Sep 4, 2025
8:39

July 2025 Charting the Life Course with FMPTIC

In this episode of the Family Matters PTIC podcast, host Abbi Mars introduces listeners to Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC), a powerful person- and family-centered planning framework designed to help individuals with disabilities envision and achieve meaningful futures. Abbi explains the basics of CtLC, how it supports whole-life planning, and the unique way FMPTIC is applying it across Illinois. With staff trained as CtLC Ambassadors, FMPTIC serves families, professionals, and self-advocates throughout the state—empowering them with tools for self-advocacy, transition planning, and collaboration.
S2 · E9
Sep 4, 2025
6:35
1 of 3