PIC Family Voices Podcast

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 education * Key components of IEP for deaf and hard of hearing 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 [http://www.heartolearnnh.com/] * Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing's website: https://ndhhs.org/ [https://ndhhs.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 [https://nhfv.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/DHH-Guidelines-revised-Dec-2016-.pdf] * Iowa Expanded Core Curriculum: https://educate.iowa.gov/media/6522/download?inline [https://educate.iowa.gov/media/6522/download?inline] * Pennsylvania Expanded Core Curriculum: https://www.paeccdhh.org/ [https://www.paeccdhh.org/] * Success for Kids with Hearing Loss - A wealth of information on working with DHH children: https://successforkidswithhearingloss.com/ [https://successforkidswithhearingloss.com/] * Understanding Your Child's Hearing: https://www.hearingfirst.org/b/living-lsl/posts/knowing-what-your-child-can-hear [https://www.hearingfirst.org/b/living-lsl/posts/knowing-what-your-child-can-hear] * 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/ [https://picnh.org/mc-events/understanding-your-role-rights-and-responsibilities-in-the-nh-special-education-process-2/] * What Is the “Speech Banana”? – Decibel Hearing Services https://decibelhearing.com/blog/what-is-the-speech-banana/ [https://decibelhearing.com/blog/what-is-the-speech-banana/] Feel free to email us!  Parent Information Center: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC [https://picnh.org/ ]          NHFV [https://nhfv.org/ ]

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 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 [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 [https://picnh.org/ ]          NHFV [https://nhfv.org/ ]

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 families * Role of libraries and community programs * Balancing fun and educational activities Feel free to email us!  Parent Information Center: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC [https://picnh.org/ ]          NHFV [https://nhfv.org/ ]

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 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: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC [https://picnh.org/ ]          NHFV [https://nhfv.org/ ]

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 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: admin@picnh.org New Hampshire Family Voices:  NHFamilyVoices@nhfv.org  Websites:  PIC [https://picnh.org/ ]          NHFV [https://nhfv.org/ ]