PIC Family Voices Podcast

Emily
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Parenting

Welcome to the PIC Family Voices podcast, a space for families of children and youth with disabilities and special healthcare needs and the dedicated professionals who support them. Join us as we explore topics ranging from early childhood and healthcare to education, behavioral health, and life after high school - everything that shapes our shared experience.  Our mission is to equip you with the insights, resources, and a supportive community to help you navigate this journey in ways that work for you, your family, and the people you care about.

  1. 1d ago

    Using Assistive Technology to Support Students with Language Disorders

    In this episode, Sara Valli and Lauren Martone discuss the vital role of assistive technology in supporting students with language disorders and disabilities. They explore tools, legal considerations, training, and emerging innovations that enhance learning and independence. Key Topics: Definition and scope of assistive technologyTools for language and reading disabilitiesLegal requirements and documentation in schoolsTraining and support for effective use of ATEmerging technologies like AI and smart glassesResources  A Day In Our Shoes 40 Assistive Technology IEP Goals And AAC Device Goal Examples https://adayinourshoes.com/assistive-technology/  Assistive Technology New Hampshire (ATinNH) https://iod.unh.edu/ATinNH Assistive Technology Industry Association ATIA Learning Catalog https://www.atia.org/path-lms/?pathPage=%2Fatia%2Fcourses Bookshare https://www.bookshare.org/  Center on Inclusive Technology & Education Systems (CITES) https://cites.cast.org/ Disability Rights Center - NH https://drcnh.org/disability-issue-areas/assistive-technology/ LD OnLine Assistive Technology Glossary https://www.ldonline.org/ld-topics/assistive-technology/assistive-technology glossary MagicSchool https://www.magicschool.ai/ National Center on Accessible Digital Educational Materials & Instruction (NCADEMI) https://ncademi.org/ NextSteps New Hampshire Assistive Technology Handbook PDF www.cast.org Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Services (QIAT) https://qiat.org/ Voiceitt - Inclusive Voice AI https://www.voiceitt.com/   Feel free to email us!  Parent Information Center: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC          NHFV

  2. Aug 4

    Discover Hands & Voices NH: Supporting Deaf and Hard of Hearing Families

    In this episode, Lauren Martone hosts Sarah Ortiz Davitt and Sarah McFarland to discuss the journey of families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing, the resources available through Hands and Voices, and how to navigate early intervention and education systems. Key Topics: Personal journeys of parents with deaf childrenRole of Hands and Voices in supporting familiesUse of cochlear implants and communication modalitiesNavigating early intervention and education systemsImportance of community and peer support for familiesAdvocacy and resource sharing for deaf children and familiesResources NH Hands and Voices Website https://nhhandsandvoices.wordpress.com/ NH Hands and Voices Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/share/1Fc9DwvVPj/?mibextid=wwXIfr Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services https://ndhhs.org/ Feel free to email us!  Parent Information Center: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC          NHFV

  3. Jul 21

    Understanding Paid Caregiving: PCA, LNA, and Stipend Options Explained

    In this episode, we explore various paid caregiver options in New Hampshire, including personal care attendants, licensed nursing assistants, and stipend-based programs. Our guests share their personal experiences, eligibility processes, and tips for navigating these systems to support families caring for children with disabilities. Key  Topics: Paid caregiver programs in NH: PCA, LNA, stipendEligibility and recertification processesFamily experiences and motivationsAgency roles and supportStrategies to prevent caregiver burnout Resources Childhood Cancer Lifeline https://www.childhoodcancerlifeline.org NH Council for Youth with Chronic Conditions (NH CYCC) https://nhcycc.org NH Department of Health and Human Services Area Agencies https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/disability-care/area-agencies NH Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Developmental Services https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/bureau-developmental-services NH Department of Health and Human Services Children with Special Health Care Needs https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/disability-care/developmental-services/children-special-health-care-needs NH Department of Health and Human Services NH Easy https://nheasy.nh.gov/#/ NH Department of Health and Human Services, NH Medicaid (Medical Assistance) Eligibility https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/medicaid/nh-medicaid-medical-assistance-eligibility Waypoint https://waypointnh.org/program/early-childhood-family-support/family-resource-centers/ Feel free to email us!  Parent Information Center: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC          NHFV

  4. Jul 7

    Understanding Deaf and Hard of Hearing School Teams and the IEP Process

    This episode features Dr. Rachel Parkington and Lauren Martone discussing the essential members of deaf and hard of hearing school teams, the IEP process, communication plans, and how to support student success. Learn about team roles, legal rights, and practical strategies for educators and parents. Key Topics Roles of team members in deaf educationKey components of IEP for deaf studentsImportance of collaboration in IEP developmentCommunication plans and language accessLegal rights of parents under IDEAResources  Hear to Learn's website: www.heartolearnNH.comNortheast Deaf and Hard of Hearing's website: https://ndhhs.org/Understanding your child's hearing: https://www.hearingfirst.org/b/living-lsl/posts/knowing-what-your-child-can-hearSuccess for Kids with Hearing Loss - a wealth of information on working with DHH children: https://successforkidswithhearingloss.com/Iowa Expanded Core Curriculum: https://educate.iowa.gov/media/6522/download?inlinePennsylvania Expanded Core Curriculum: https://www.paeccdhh.org/Educational Service Guidelines for Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing – Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services https://nhfv.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/DHH-Guidelines-revised-Dec-2016-.pdfWhat Is the “Speech Banana”? – Decibel Hearing Services https://decibelhearing.com/blog/what-is-the-speech-banana/Understanding Your Role, Rights, and Responsibilities in the NH Special Education Process – Parent Information Center Webinar on July 16 and July 21 https://picnh.org/mc-events/understanding-your-role-rights-and-responsibilities-in-the-nh-special-education-process-2/ Feel free to email us!  Parent Information Center: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC          NHFV

  5. Jun 23

    IEP Team Meeting Facilitation: Helping Teams Work Better Together

    This episode explores the IEP Team Meeting Facilitation Program in New Hampshire, a proactive dispute resolution tool designed to improve communication and collaboration among IEP teams. Join Janel LeBlanc from the NH Department of Education as she discusses how facilitation can support families and educators in creating student-centered, effective IEP meetings. Key Topics IEP Team Meeting Facilitation ProgramWhen to Use Facilitation in the Special Education ProcessRole and Qualifications of FacilitatorsNorms and Best Practices for IEP MeetingsBenefits of Neutral Facilitation for Families and SchoolsFor more information go to:  https://www.education.nh.gov/who-we-are/division-of-learner-support/bureau-special-education-support/iep-team-meeting-facilitation Feel free to email us!  Parent Information Center: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC          NHFV

  6. Jun 9

    Everyday Summer Learning Options for Families

    Explore diverse summer learning options for families, emphasizing flexibility, engagement, and fun. Joanne Grobecker shares practical tips on choosing activities, leveraging libraries, and balancing structure with relaxation to prevent summer slide and foster growth. Summer learning options for familiesRole of libraries and community programsBalancing fun and educational activitiesFeel free to email us!  Parent Information Center: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC          NHFV

  7. May 26

    Why Family Voice Matters: Family Leadership in Early Childhood Systems

    This conversation explores the importance of family voice in shaping the programs, policies, and services that support young children and family well-being. Featuring Leslie Ela, Safiya Wazir, and Stevie Klein of the Birth–Eight Family and Community Advisory Team (B-8), who share their experiences and perspectives on creating systems that truly reflect the needs of families and communities.  Key Topics Family voice and leadershipSystems level work and community impactThe role of families in decision-makingStrategies for authentic family engagementExamples of family influence on policy and practiceFeel free to email us!  Parent Information Center: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC          NHFV

  8. May 12

    An Introduction to Discipline and Manifestation Determination Meetings

    In this insightful interview, Nico Walker from the Disability Rights Center in New Hampshire discusses the importance of inclusive education, the impact of exclusionary discipline on students with disabilities, and practical steps for parents to advocate effectively. Learn about the School Discipline Project grants, legal protections like the Manifestation Determination Review, and how families can navigate the special education process. Key Topics Impact of exclusionary discipline on students with disabilitiesSteps for parents to advocate in disciplinary casesRole of the Disability Rights Center and School Discipline ProjectUnderstanding Manifestation Determination Review (MDR)Strategies for preparing for MDR meetingsResources PIC Sample Letters & Forms: https://picnh.org/sample-letters/ Disability Rights Center - NH: https://drcnh.org/ Feel free to email us!  Parent Information Center: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC          NHFV

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to the PIC Family Voices podcast, a space for families of children and youth with disabilities and special healthcare needs and the dedicated professionals who support them. Join us as we explore topics ranging from early childhood and healthcare to education, behavioral health, and life after high school - everything that shapes our shared experience.  Our mission is to equip you with the insights, resources, and a supportive community to help you navigate this journey in ways that work for you, your family, and the people you care about.

Information

  • Creator
    Emily
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 PIC Family Voices Podcast
  • Show Website
    PIC Family Voices Podcast