PIC Family Voices Podcast

In this episode, two occupational therapists, Emily Bourque and Emily Forthofer and two moms share insights into the broad scope of occupational therapy for children, highlighting how OT supports development beyond handwriting. They discuss personal journeys, practical benefits of OT in different settings, and how families can advocate for their children's needs.

Key Topics

• Personal journeys into occupational therapy
• The wide scope of OT beyond handwriting
• Benefits of OT in school and home settings
• How OT supports independence and confidence
• Family involvement and advocacy in OT
• Age-specific focuses in pediatric OT
• Signs indicating a need for OT support
• Personal success stories with OT

Feel free to email us! 

Parent Information Center: [email protected]

New Hampshire Family Voices:  [email protected] 

Websites: 

PIC          NHFV

In this episode, Terry Ohlson Martin shares the history and evolution of the Council for Youths with Chronic Conditions, highlighting the importance of family involvement, regional representation, and systemic advocacy to improve support for children with chronic health conditions.

Key Topics

• History of the CYCC and its origins
• The role of family voices in systemic change
• Regional representation and diversity in support systems
• Challenges and successes in establishing statewide programs
• The importance of family engagement in policy development

Feel free to email us! 

Parent Information Center: [email protected]

New Hampshire Family Voices:  [email protected] 

Websites: 

PIC          NHFV

In this episode, Bonnie Dunham from the Parent Information Center discusses the various educational options for children with disabilities, including public, private, and homeschooling, as well as legal rights and financial assistance programs.

Key Topics

• Legal rights of children with disabilities
• Public school options and open enrollment
• Private and charter school considerations
• Homeschooling and private tuition
• Funding and scholarships for special education
• Re-enrollment and re-evaluation processes
• Civil rights laws affecting private schools
• Referral process for suspected disabilities
• Resources for parents and guardians

Feel free to email us! 

Parent Information Center: [email protected]

New Hampshire Family Voices:  [email protected] 

Websites: 

PIC          NHFV

In this episode, Adrienne Shoemaker and Lauren Martone discuss the supports and components of an IEP for students who are blind or visually impaired, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, specialized instruction, and family involvement.

Key Topics

• The importance of the IEP team and its members
• Role of the teacher of the visually impaired (TVI)
• Functional vision assessment and learning media assessment
• The expanded core curriculum for visually impaired students
• Role of family in the IEP process
• Support strategies for access to academics and classroom materials
• Significance of orientation and mobility skills
• Advocacy tips for parents new to special education
• High expectations and access for students with visual impairments

Feel free to email us! 

Parent Information Center: [email protected]

New Hampshire Family Voices:  [email protected] 

Websites: 

PIC          NHFV

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