Family Support Stories

On today’s episode we will be hearing from three different people and their perspectives on one experience. Daphne, an adult with an Intellectual and Developmental Disability, her sister Tamar, and her friend Tina will be sharing the story of when Daphne attended her 45th high school reunion in October 2025 and the importance of belonging.

In this episode of Family Support Stories, we speak with Dr. Helen Rottier, author and Dr. Morton Ann Gernsbacher, about their joint chapter in Disability Alliances and Allies: Opportunities and Challenges. Helen is an autistic researcher at the Wiseman Center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Morton is a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Their chapter, titled “Autistic A...

We speak with Dr. Laura Mauldin, author and professor at the University of Connecticut, about her new book In Sickness and In Health . Blending memoir with the stories of caregivers across the country, Dr. Mauldin reflects on how ableism, cultural expectations about love, and gaps in America’s social safety net shape the realities of caregiving. Together, they explore the  concept of “The One,” (w...

In this episode of Family Support Stories , we explore the realities of family caregiving in rural communities, where distance, limited services, workforce shortages, and gaps in data create unique challenges for families. Lillie Greiman of the Rural Institute at the University of Montana shares research insights on rural disability prevalence, unpaid caregiving, and the policy implications of inc...

In this episode of Family Support Stories , we talk with Dr. Sandy Magaña and promotora Lilia about the Poder Familiar program, a culturally grounded initiative supporting Latino families raising children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They share how promotoras build trust, foster resilience, and create community connections that empower families with both practical tools and em...

This episode explores the real-life impact of respite care for family caregivers, from the research to the lived experience. Dr. Rebecca Utz, a sociologist at the University of Utah, discusses her work developing the “Time for Living and Caring” (TLC) app, a research-based tool that helps caregivers plan, schedule, and reflect on their respite time. Her findings show that when caregivers intention...

Guests Toni Gingerelli (National Alliance for Caregiving) and Amy Robins (PHI) discusses the Together in Care™ Initiative. The initiative aims to improve care outcomes by enhancing the partnership between family caregivers and direct care workers. The discussion highlights the importance of stable care partnerships, the role of care teams, and the potential of self-directed care models. Sharon Cos...

Show Notes Available at fsrtc.ahs.uic.edu/resources/ This episode discusses the challenges faced by unpaid family caregivers, particularly those supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Yolanda, the mother of a 40-year-old daughter with IDD, shares her experiences providing full-time care while dealing with her own aging and health issues. Joe Caldwell, a rese...