Family Matters PTIC Podcast

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 pro

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,

Back to School: Making This High School Year Count

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

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

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 contin

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

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 Chart

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

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

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

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

Autism Acceptance a first hand experience

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 wi

Understanding and Empowering Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities: What Families and Professionals Should Know

Join us as we discuss why March is so important

Homebound services in Illinois

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

January Podcast, Ann Oswalt

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

ACT and SAT accommodations

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

Using Your Story for Change

Kimberly is a disability/legislative advocate, grassroots community leader, who believes in leadership through systems change, creating, pursuing goals, and achieving a v

On TRACC with Kim Harden

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

Illinois Epilepsy Support and Resources

Join Stephanie Harcharik from Illinois Epilepsy Support and Resource as she discussed Epilepsy support in Illinois. https://streatorunlimited.org/epilepsy/ Email: epil

I am a brother!

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

Early Intervention and Extended Early Intervention services

Join Abby Hardy and the Family Matters team as we discuss Early Intervention services.

Prior Written Notice with Laura Hart

Join Family Matters and Laura Hart from IGAC to discuss PWN.