Word has it, there aren’t enough speech-language pathologists to go around, and kids with speech delays and problems are struggling because of it. Enter telepractice and the technology of providing children with the speech and language therapy they need, through what is essentially an online video chat.
Presence TeleCare is a company that has been providing such a service for years and has been endorsed by the Mayo Clinic since 1997. Telepractice meets IDEA guidelines and is proven to be as effective as face-to-face therapy. It uses the internet to connect speech-language pathologists with students for therapy sessions that include games and activities as well as practice management skills. Over 30,000 sessions have been completed so far by Presence TeleCare.
Students benefit immediately based on the simple fact that with telepractice they have access to the speech-language pathologists they desperately need in order to receive proper treatment. In addition, the use of online materials and document sharing through the internet also aids in the children’s success rate. Plus the fact that children get to have fun while learning, thanks to the games and activities, means they will be more successful.
However, the practice is not just beneficial to students, but to everyone involved. Speech-language pathologists get to work with a larger amount of children while staying in their own home, cutting out travel time and expenses while earning additional income. Schools that use telepractice have access to a more diverse group of speech-language pathologists who speak different languages and have different skill sets and personalities. This, therefore, means the schools are better able to match students to allow for more individualized and effective treatment.
Whether your child has speech delays or even autism, she can benefit from telepractice. Visit the Presence TeleCare web site to learn more about the costs of the programs and how to get your child’s school involved.