Frequent Questions

FMPTIC is a federally funded Parent Training and Information Center. We provide support, education, and training to families and students, ages 0-26, seeking or navigating Special Education programs and services. Additionally, we work in partnership with community agencies and school systems to ensure that students with disabilities have access to accurate information regarding their rights within the educational system. Families reach out to FMPTIC for guidance regarding the IEP process, transition from Early Intervention to Early Childhood programming, inclusion within the school system, resources around behavior and mental health, transitioning from the school setting to community living, and many other issues and concerns. Our goal is to educate and empower families to seek the appropriate, individualized supports that their student needs to be most successful.

We’re always on the lookout for individuals like you wanting to get involved. Visit our How To Help section to find out ways to donate or volunteer. We are regular seeking volunteers to participate in the Educational Surrogate Parent Program and the COMPASS program. Additionally, we are always seeking engaged Board of Director candidates. Please reach out to info@fmptic.org with questions about becoming involved with FMPTIC.

We have a responsibility to our community and our donors and work hard to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization. We make our IRS Form 990 available for review, as required by law. Donations to FMPTIC go directly toward supporting and expanding services and supports offered to families. Visit our Financials page to learn more.

Our organization takes our privacy policy seriously and takes steps to protect and ensure the safety of our supporters. We do not sell or otherwise disclose information about our volunteers or supporters outside of our immediate organization. This policy has no exceptions. We do not sell or exchange your information with any other organizations, public, private or nonprofit.

FMPTIC is a federally funded Parent Training and Information Center. We are NOT a legal services provider and cannot provide legal advice. Information and resources that FMPTIC provides should not be construed as legal advice. If you have legal questions, we encourage you to seek guidance from an attorney with a specialization in Special Education.

FMPTIC is a statewide organization covering 94 counties outside of the Chicago area. Because we cover such a large region, we utilize a volunteer program, COMPASS Volunteers, to provide parent-to-parent support at educational meetings. Our Educational Support coaches work with families before IEP meetings to review the process, review the required IEP forms, explore goals and concerns, and provide preparatory meeting strategies. In our experience, the preparation for the meeting has a much more significant impact on the quality and effectiveness of the meeting than having an in-person team member present. For families seeking in-person support, we will work to partner you with a COMPASS Volunteer in your area. We cannot guarantee volunteer availability, but we make our best effort to ensure you have access to the support you seek.

FMPTIC provides trainings upon request from organizations that serve children with disabilities and their families. We can work with you to develop a topic and curriculum focused on the needs of your group. Most of our trainings are conducted virtually, as families have overwhelmingly shared their preference for that delivery method. If you would like in-person training, we will work with you to try to make that happen. For in-person trainings, we require a minimum registration of 15 individuals. Please reach out to us at info@fmptic.org if you have a training request. We look forward to working with you!