PIC Family Voices Podcast

Emily
  • 5.0 (2)
  • 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. 6d ago

    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

    23 min

  2. 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

    26 min

  3. 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

    19 min

  4. Apr 28

    Moving On: Young Adult Perspectives on Adult Care

    The transition from pediatric to adult healthcare is often seen as a natural step toward independence, but for many young adults, it is a complex and uneven process. In Moving On: Young Adult Perspectives on Adult Care, Keagan Watson and Justin Bonny share experiences that reveal both the challenges and the personal growth that come with navigating complex systems of care. Across experiences, a key difference between pediatric and adult care is the shift in responsibility. As children, patients often rely on parents or caregivers to manage appointments, insurance, and communication with providers. In adulthood, these responsibilities shift almost entirely to the individual. Participants described needing to schedule appointments, manage prescriptions, arrange transportation, and navigate insurance challenges. Despite the challenges of navigating a new model of care, participants also emphasized resilience and adaptation. Support systems–including family members, case managers, and community organizations–played an important role in helping them navigate the transition. Many also found that learning through conversation and real-life scenarios was more effective than formal checklists or questionnaires in preparing for adulthood. Resources https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/adult-aging-care/nh-choices-independence-waiver-renewal-and-amendments-2022-2027 https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/medicaid/nh-medicaid-medical-assistance-eligibility/mead-and-moad-eligibility Feel free to email us!  Parent Information Center: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC          NHFV

    24 min

  5. Apr 14

    Health Care Transition Series: Managing My Medications

    This panel discussion with Yeah Council Members, Abby, CJ, Emma and Keagan explores the importance of medication management for youth, sharing personal experiences, strategies, and resources to empower young individuals in taking control of their health. Learn practical tips, challenges faced, and how to build essential skills for independent medication management. Key Topics Importance of medication management for youthPersonal experiences and strategies for managing medicationsTools and resources for medication independence Feel free to email us!  Parent Information Center: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC          NHFV

    30 min

  6. Mar 31

    The Importance of Developmental Screenings

    In this episode PIC and NH Family Voices speak to Meagan Galvin, a family worker with Head Start Center at Nashua Community College.  Meagan  talks about the Developmental Screening Pop-ups that she has been doing at parks and libraries throughout the Nashua area.  She also discusses why developmental screenings are important, how, when and who you ask for them, and what to expect when you get them. Feel free to email us!  Parent Information Center: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC          NHFV

    25 min

  7. Mar 17

    Lets Talk Literacy in Early Childhood Education!

    In this conversation, early childhood educator Kris Reilly discusses the critical aspects of language and literacy development in young children. She emphasizes the importance of early exposure to language, the role of serve and return interactions, and the skills necessary for kindergarten readiness. The discussion also touches on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on early childhood development and the significance of creating a language-rich environment at home. Kris provides practical strategies for parents to support their children's literacy skills through everyday activities and highlights the benefits of multilingualism in language development. Language is innate, while reading is a learned skill. Building vocabulary is essential for literacy development.Serve and return interactions are crucial for brain development.Parents should engage in conversations with their children regularly.Reading aloud fosters a love for literacy from an early age.Children need various skills for kindergarten readiness beyond just knowing the alphabet.The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted social interactions and language development in young children.Creating a language-rich environment can be done through everyday activities.Multilingual families can enhance language development by using their home language.It's important to recognize signs of language development concerns early.Feel free to email us!  Parent Information Center: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC          NHFV

    45 min

  8. Mar 3

    Physical Development in Early Childhood

    In this episode, pediatric physical therapist Jeff Elrick breaks down how movement helps young children grow—not just physically, but in how they think, feel, and connect with others. He shares fun, everyday ways families can support physical development at home, and explains why inclusive play matters for all kids. Whether your child is walking, wobbling, or just starting to roll over, this conversation is full of helpful tips and encouraging insights for every stage of early childhood. Resources:  https://nhfv.org/education/early-childhood-2/  Feel free to email us!  Parent Information Center: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC          NHFV

    45 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 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
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 PIC Family Voices Podcast
  • Show Website
    PIC Family Voices Podcast