Family Matters PTIC Podcast

About Family Matters PTIC Podcast

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

Publisher

Family Matters Parent Training and Information Center

Category

kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

14 Feb 2024

Latest episode

5 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

29 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 Oct 2026

   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.

2. 

   29 Sept 2026

   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.

3. 

   8 Sept 2026

   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.

Who has been a guest on Family Matters PTIC Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Abbi Mars
• Liz Apple
• Ann Oswalt
• Kim Harden
• Stephanie Harcharik

Podcast Authority Score: 7 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

15

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact Family Matters PTIC Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.