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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.