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 technology
• Tools for language and reading disabilities
• Legal requirements and documentation in schools
• Training and support for effective use of AT
• Emerging technologies like AI and smart glasses

Resources 

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: [email protected]

New Hampshire Family Voices:  [email protected] 

Websites: 

PIC          NHFV

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 children
• Role of Hands and Voices in supporting families
• Use of cochlear implants and communication modalities
• Navigating early intervention and education systems
• Importance of community and peer support for families
• Advocacy and resource sharing for deaf children and families

Resources

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: [email protected]

New Hampshire Family Voices:  [email protected] 

Websites: 

PIC          NHFV

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, stipend
• Eligibility and recertification processes
• Family experiences and motivations
• Agency roles and support
• Strategies 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: [email protected]

New Hampshire Family Voices:  [email protected] 

Websites: 

PIC          NHFV

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 students
• Importance of collaboration in IEP development
• Communication plans and language access
• Legal rights of parents under IDEA

Resources 

• Hear to Learn's website: www.heartolearnNH.com
• Northeast 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-hear
• Success 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?inline
• Pennsylvania 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-.pdf
• What 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: [email protected]

New Hampshire Family Voices:  [email protected] 

Websites: 

PIC          NHFV

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 Program
• When to Use Facilitation in the Special Education Process
• Role and Qualifications of Facilitators
• Norms and Best Practices for IEP Meetings
• Benefits of Neutral Facilitation for Families and Schools

For 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: [email protected]

New Hampshire Family Voices:  [email protected] 

Websites: 

PIC          NHFV

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 email us! 

Parent Information Center: [email protected]

New Hampshire Family Voices:  [email protected] 

Websites: 

PIC          NHFV

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 leadership
• Systems level work and community impact
• The role of families in decision-making
• Strategies for authentic family engagement
• Examples of family influence on policy and practice

Feel free to email us! 

Parent Information Center: [email protected]

New Hampshire Family Voices:  [email protected] 

Websites: 

PIC          NHFV

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 disabilities
• Steps for parents to advocate in disciplinary cases
• Role of the Disability Rights Center and School Discipline Project
• Understanding Manifestation Determination Review (MDR)
• Strategies for preparing for MDR meetings

Resources

PIC Sample Letters & Forms: https://picnh.org/sample-letters/

Disability Rights Center - NH: https://drcnh.org/

Feel free to email us! 

Parent Information Center: [email protected]

New Hampshire Family Voices:  [email protected] 

Websites: 

PIC          NHFV

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: [email protected]

New Hampshire Family Voices:  [email protected] 

Websites: 

PIC          NHFV

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 youth
• Personal experiences and strategies for managing medications
• Tools and resources for medication independence

Feel free to email us! 

Parent Information Center: [email protected]

New Hampshire Family Voices:  [email protected] 

Websites: 

PIC          NHFV