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PODCAST

Family Matters PTIC Podcast

Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center

Join us as we discuss special education and related topics. This will be a great source of information for parents, caregivers, students, and educators.

kids & family education for kids

All Episodes

23:20

Your Voice, Your Vote: REV UP Illinois and the Power...

Family Matters PTIC Podcast ·

2026/10/05

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

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9:46

Beyond the Classroom: Turning Activities, Interests &...

Family Matters PTIC Podcast ·

2026/09/29

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.

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18:56

The District Said No—What Comes Next?

Family Matters PTIC Podcast ·

2026/09/08

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.

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17:35

Becoming an Educational Surrogate Parent

Family Matters PTIC Podcast ·

2026/08/24

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.

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10:37

Back to School: Making This High School Year Count

Family Matters PTIC Podcast ·

2026/08/06

Using Charting the LifeCourse to Strengthen Your Student's Transition Plan

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8:23

Staying in High School Past Senior Year: What...

Family Matters PTIC Podcast ·

2026/04/01

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

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6:49

What's New at FMPTIC

Family Matters PTIC Podcast ·

2026/01/13

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.

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9:22

Charting a Whole Life: The Power of Student-Centered...

Family Matters PTIC Podcast ·

2026/01/12

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

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8:39

August 2025 Back to School

Family Matters PTIC Podcast ·

2025/09/04

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.

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6:35

July 2025 Charting the Life Course with FMPTIC

Family Matters PTIC Podcast ·

2025/09/04

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

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7:14

Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in...

Family Matters PTIC Podcast ·

2025/06/04

Join Abbi Mars, Educational Support Coach and Charting the LifeCourse Ambassador, as she discusses Special Olympics in Illinois.

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20:10

Autism Acceptance a first hand experience

Family Matters PTIC Podcast ·

2025/05/02

In this special Autism Acceptance episode of the FMPTIC Podcast, host Abbi Mars sits down with Liz Apple, FMPTIC’s administrative assistant and a young woman diagnosed with Autism. Liz shares her personal journey—from experiencing delayed speech as a child to earning a college degree in Spanish and navigating social challenges as an adult. Through a series of direct and meaningful questions, Liz offers insight into life on the spectrum and what true autism acceptance looks like. This episode sheds

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7:46

Understanding and Empowering Individuals with...

Family Matters PTIC Podcast ·

2025/03/31

Join us as we discuss why March is so important

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7:13

Homebound services in Illinois

Family Matters PTIC Podcast ·

2025/02/28

Join us as we discuss topic of Homebound Instruction in Illinois—what it is, who qualifies, and how families can access these services.

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22:55

January Podcast, Ann Oswalt

Family Matters PTIC Podcast ·

2025/02/11

Join Family Matters PTIC as we host board member Ann Oswalt.

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16:30

ACT and SAT accommodations

Family Matters PTIC Podcast ·

2024/12/27

https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/accommodations.html

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31:09

Using Your Story for Change

Family Matters PTIC Podcast ·

2024/11/01

Kimberly is a disability/legislative advocate, grassroots community leader, who believes in leadership through systems change, creating, pursuing goals, and achieving a vision of shared values about people living with disabilities

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54:44

On TRACC with Kim Harden

Family Matters PTIC Podcast ·

2024/10/01

Learn about the new On TRACC program offered by E.I.A.S.E Cooperative for transition-aged students.

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22:08

Illinois Epilepsy Support and Resources

Family Matters PTIC Podcast ·

2024/09/11

Join Stephanie Harcharik from Illinois Epilepsy Support and Resource as she discussed Epilepsy support in Illinois. https://streatorunlimited.org/epilepsy/Email: epilepsy@streatorunlimited.orgPhone: 815-673-5574

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28:59

I am a brother!

Family Matters PTIC Podcast ·

2024/07/09

Join Family Matters PTIC as we speak with Parker Wrobble, a sibling advocate, about his journey in the world of inclusion.

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29 results

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