Family Matters PTIC Podcast

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

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:01:00 GMT

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.

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

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 19:52:15 GMT

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.

What's New at FMPTIC

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:49:52 GMT

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.

August 2025 Back to School

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 16:25:41 GMT

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.

July 2025 Charting the Life Course with FMPTIC

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 16:25:35 GMT

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.

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

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 21:15:07 GMT

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

Autism Acceptance a first hand experience

Fri, 02 May 2025 14:12:53 GMT

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 light on the importance of listening to autistic voices and embracing neurodiversity with respect and understanding.

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

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 20:16:45 GMT

Join us as we discuss why March is so important

Homebound services in Illinois

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 21:19:11 GMT

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

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 19:02:37 GMT

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

ACT and SAT accommodations

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 18:49:24 GMT

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

Using Your Story for Change

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 15:00:10 GMT

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

On TRACC with Kim Harden

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 13:00:39 GMT

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

Illinois Epilepsy Support and Resources

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 16:44:03 GMT

Join Stephanie Harcharik from Illinois Epilepsy Support and Resource as she discussed Epilepsy support in Illinois.

https://streatorunlimited.org/epilepsy/

I am a brother!

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 02:36:46 GMT

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

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 16:22:33 GMT

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

Prior Written Notice with Laura Hart

Thu, 30 May 2024 17:07:23 GMT

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

What is an ESP?

Tue, 07 May 2024 20:04:06 GMT

What is an educational surrogate parent?

Extended School Year Services

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 13:35:26 GMT

Join Abbi as she helps you understand more about ESY services.

Episode 5 Blackburn and Beyond

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 21:04:41 GMT

Join Jaime and Brianna as they discuss the inclusive education option Blackburn College offers in their Blackburn and Beyond program.

https://blackburn.edu/academics/blackburn-and-beyond/

Episode four Working together a parent and a teacher's POV

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 13:01:26 GMT

Join a parent (Tess) and a teacher (Krista) as they discuss their ability to work together and help the student succeed.

Episode Three Dr. Seuss

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 17:35:22 GMT

Meet Karrie and Abbi and hear about their journey with special education.

Episode two Early Choices

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 20:09:02 GMT

Come and join Ann and Tammy from Illinois Early CHOICES to discuss the least restricted environment and inclusion.

Family Matters PTIC First Episode

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 19:28:41 GMT

Join us today as we speak with former executive Debbie Einhorn as she discusses the history of Family Matters and how special education has changed over the years.