There is a shortage across the nation of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in schools, which has caused some districts to choose virtual speech therapy, which, according to current research from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), a professional association for SLPs, can be as effective as traditional speech therapy. One reason for the shortage, says Deborah Dixon, director of school services at ASHA, is that, although there are an adequate number of students graduating with a bachelor’s degree in the field, a master’s degree is required to be an SLP, and there are not many openings in graduate schools.
Virtual speech therapy offers a solution for students with mild to moderate impairment since the flexible hours are appealing for those who want to work part-time and for retired SLPs.
Presence Learning, one of a few companies that offer virtual speech therapy, works with schools to provide services for students with mild to moderate communication impairment, which accounts for 78 percent of students with communication impairment. Definitions of impairment vary by state or district. John Swett Unified School District (JSUSD), a K12 district near San Francisco, started using Presence Learning in 2010. Superintendent Mike McLaughlin found the SLP agencies had inconsistent results. Since 2010, JSUSD has hired one traditional SLP, who works with about 30 students, and Presence Learning provides for another 50 students. Other companies that provide online speech therapy include TinyEye and Virtual Speech Center.
Comments
I am disappointed to learn
I am disappointed to learn that it is thought that virtual speech therapy is equivalent to in person speech therapy. My son has severe disabilities and is nonverbal. Throughout his education, from kindergarten to now (age 21), his speech therapists have been the key to his educational success in inclusive settings. With only a one year exception, when his assigned therapist was terminally ill and shouldn't have been working at all, it has been the speech therapists who have understood his needs and worked to make the entire curriculum work for him through their focus on communication skills. In general, the speech therapists had better training than anyone else on his team, including both general and special education teachers. It may be true that some forms of speech therapy can be delivered virtually. But not all. And probably not very many!
Thank you for your comments,
Thank you for your comments, Lynne. I'm going to use this for our Letters page, in the May issue of DA, if that's OK with you. If so, do you mind giving me your full name and what title you have? Do you work in a school district? And if so, where? what district? If not, it would be nice to know if you are a parent, concerned about K12 education. Thanks again.
To the terrific parent
To the terrific parent indicated above with a student with special needs. I am a speech pathologist and supervisor for Presence Learning. I also worked directly with students for 14years prior to joining the virtual world. I wanted to let you know that our company follows a strict rubric when selecting appropriate students to use the platform. The virtual speech class is highly successful for the appropriate students! We have a dedicated group of designers and over 180 speech therapist across the country serving students daily. We are reaching students who did not receive services or services were inadequate. We pride ourselves in working with our students and improving skills. I am so glad you had a great experience and your child's needs were met but wanted you to know what a great company Presence Learning is, our core values, and the main focus is the kids.