PIC Family Voices Podcast

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 education Key components of IEP for deaf and hard of hear...

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 Facilit...

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 families Role of libraries and community programs Balancing fun and educational activities Feel free to...

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 T...

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 ca...

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 k...

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 medicat...

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 the...

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...

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 conve...

In this episode we talk about developmental screening and how looks across various early childhood settings.  Screening is an important step in understanding how children are growing and learning and is often an enriching tool that can help shape family engagement as well as the support that early childhood professionals provide. In this conversation, we'll explore what the screening process...

In the final episode of the Health Care Transition Matters Podcast, you'll hear from Dr. Lisa Plotnik, a pediatrics specialist from Dartmouth-Hitchcock, Manchester. Dr. Plotnick discusses the complexities of health care transition, emphasizing the importance of preparing both patients and their families for this significant change. She shares practical tips for how to navigate the process to...

Join YEAH Council members, Abby, CJ and Emma as they talk about their hopes and dreams for their futures including jobs, living situations and healthcare as they become adults living with their disabilities. Feel free to email us!  Parent Information Center: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC           NHFV

This episode of the PIC/Family Voices podcast discusses the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) Federal Quota Program, which allocates funds for accessible educational materials for blind and visually impaired students. Guests Adrienne Shoemaker and Lynette Lawrence explain the history, eligibility criteria, registration process, and the variety of educational materials available through t...

In this conversation, Ellyn Schreiber, a licensed mental health clinician, discusses the critical concepts of attachment, self-regulation, and co-regulation in early childhood development. She emphasizes the importance of consistent caregiver relationships, the sensitive windows for language and emotional development, and effective parenting strategies for setting boundaries and supporting childre...

In this episode, Yeah Council members, CJ, Keagan and Lexi have a discussion about their experiences with starting college while dealing with their disabilities.  Hear from them how they navigated dealing with their schools Disabilities Services as well as learning how to live on their own for the first time, as well as some tips on how you can succeed with this big transition. Feel free to email...

In the second episode of the Health Care Transition Matters Podcast, hear from two Members of the YEAH Council describe their journey through Health Care Transitions and learn from their experiences how to manage this change yourself. Feel free to email us!  Parent Information Center: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC           NHFV

This podcast series focuses on health care transition, the process of moving from a pediatric to an adult model of health care. The goal of this series is to provide insight and support for youth, families and professionals who are involved in this transition. Throughout the series, you will hear various perspectives, including those of youth, parents, providers, community agencies, and project st...

In this conversation, Dr. Kimberly Nesbitt discusses the critical aspects of cognitive development in early childhood, emphasizing the importance of memory, language, conceptual understanding, and social cognition. She highlights how these elements interconnect and influence a child's ability to learn and grow. The discussion also covers the role of executive function skills, the impact of ea...

In the inaugural episode of the PIC Family Voices Podcast , host Emily speaks with Michelle Lewis, Executive Director of the Parent Information Center, and Sylvia Pelletier, Director of NH Family Voices, about the importance of family voice and engagement in shaping systems serving children with disabilities and special health care needs.  PIC and NHFV have supported families in New Hampshire for...