Does the thought of working with me long distance over the internet give you cause for concern? Are you worried I won’t be able to give you the support and instruction you need if we are not sitting right next to each other? Don’t worry, I once had the same concern! But it’s the 21stCentury, and in this busy, fast-paced and crowded world, the internet provides an avenue for effective and efficient services like no other. There is no traffic to get in your way. There are no parking issues to concern you. In fact, we can work together right in the privacy of your own home anywhere in the world!
Many professions now use telecommunications to interact with others. In the fields of Speech Pathology and Audiology, it is referred to as Telepractice. In the medical field, it may be called Telehealth or Telemedicine. In education, you may hear the terms Distance Learning or Distance Education. These are all terms used to indicate services provided long distance with the use of telecommunication, which includes telephone, email, and video conferencing. We don’t need to use smoke signals and snail mail to communicate long distance anymore, we’ve got the magic of the internet! All you need is a good internet connection, and a computer or tablet with a speaker and camera!
Need more convincing? According to a statement from ASHA.org, The American Speech Language and Hearing Association, “Telepractice is an appropriate model of service delivery for audiologists and SLPs.” Medicaid.gov states that, “Telemedicine is viewed as a cost-effective alternative to the more traditional face-to-face way of providing medical care (e.g., face-to-face consultations or examinations between provider and patient) that states can choose to cover under Medicaid.” In addition, research has shown the same outcomes for speech therapy clients receiving services via telepractice versus traditional in-person services (Gabel, Grogan-Johnson, Alvares, Bechstein, & Taylor, 2013; Grogan-Johnson, Alvares, Rowan, & Creaghead, 2010; Grogan-Johnson et al., 2013). I have had excellent outcomes with my clients via telepractice. Results have been as good as in-person visits, and sometimes they are even better as parents are able to either sit beside their child or be in the same room to hear what is going on in our sessions.
The fact is, Telepractice is just as effective as traditional in-person speech and language therapy. As either your Accent Trainer or Speech Pathologist, I will provide you with the same quality of care and attention as I do my in-person clients, even if we are far apart. So don't let distance come between us. I can work with you wherever you are in the world. I promise to provide you with customized program to help you with your communication skills in the most comfortable setting for you. So let me help you with your speech today!
Comments