So What is Online Speech Therapy Telepractice??

Speech Therapy Telepractice involves the use of a high-speed internet connection to connect a Speech-Language Pathologist to their client remotely. With the aid of web cameras and USB headsets, direct speech therapy can take place without both the Speech-Language Pathologist and the client having to be in the same room!!

Well isn't that just video-conferencing? How do you play speech therapy games and engage clients, especially children, over the internet??

That's a great question. Today's video conferencing tools are available in abundance. The problem lies in integrating activities for speech therapy. There are shared applications where you can have your client see what you're seeing on your screen, but it still is a challenge to facilitate a stimulating session.

TinyEYE wanted to create an experience where the client and the Speech-Language Patholigist not only can video conference, but interact with an online activity. Our Speech-Language Pathologists are able to control the pace of the games, score, and report with TinyEYE's Speech Therapy Telepractice platform.

This is not the normal way to do things. What does ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) have to say about Speech Therapy Telepractice??

ASHA fully supports the use of telepractice as long as it follows certain guidelines.

Here is their official position statement on Speech Therapy Telepractice:

"Telepractice is the application of telecommunications technology to deliver professional services at a distance by linking clinician to client, or clinician to clinician for assessment, intervention, and/or consultation. It is the position of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) that telepractice (telehealth) is an appropriate model of service delivery for the profession of speech-language pathology. Telepractice may be used to overcome barriers of access to services caused by distance, unavailability of specialists and/or subspecialists, and impaired mobility. Telepractice offers the potential to extend clinical services to remote, rural, and underserved populations, and to culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

The use of telepractice does not remove any existing responsibilities in delivering services, including adherence to the Code of Ethics, Scope of Practice, state and federal laws (e.g., licensure, HIPAA, etc.), and ASHA policy documents on professional practices. Therefore, the quality of services delivered via telepractice must be consistent with the quality of services delivered face-to-face."

source page: http://www.asha.org/docs/html/PS2005-00116.html

What about licensing? Do I have to get a license in each state or province to be able to conduct speech therapy online?

Currently, each state association has its own set of by-laws. The common practice is to be licensed in the state the client is in. Eventually, as Speech Therapy Telepractice becomes more common, a blanket license may be approved.

Can I call TinyEYE to ask more specific questions regarding Speech Therapy Telepractice?

Of course you can. Give us a call at 1-877-846-9393. We'd love to speak with you.