Family Matters PTIC Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Join us as we discuss why March is so important

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is an educational surrogate parent?

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

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/

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

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

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

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.