A virtual care speech session is very similar to the usual in-home session we provide, except you see your Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) on your computer, laptop, tablet, or iPad screen instead of sitting at your kitchen table, on your couch, or on your floor.
This can be a convenient option for families who have busy households.
From CASLPO:
As you may have already read, our mission is to provide speech-language services in the environment the client is most comfortable in and in the same place where they need to practice and use communication and speech and language skills.
Virtual care sessions still take place in the same spot, just in a slightly different way:
Instead of showing up with a bag of games or activities, the games or activities show up on your screen, or the SLP holds up items in front of the camera to show you, and even wears dress up accessories sometimes.
We do a lot of show and tell! Clients really like this - being able to show and tell their favourite items from around the house!
We still do lots of talking, lots of practicing, lots of smiling, and we have lots of fun!
We still check in with parents and caregivers during the session, sometimes requiring a little bit of help at first to get used to how things go.
Some clients prefer virtual care sessions because they love using computers and tablets and think it is even cooler to get to see their SLP and activities on the screen.
The ability to be completely face-to-face, has been very helpful for clients whose goals revolve around using good speech sounds and clear speech!
From FSLS:
The short answer is no.
Some types of assessment or therapy sessions, may be difficult to conduct via virtual care.
There may be some clients who need more direct support and may not be appropriate for virtual care sessions.
If you express interest in virtual care sessions, but we are not confident these types of sessions will suit your needs, we will let you know and discuss other options.
Our primary goal is always making sure our clients fully benefit from any form of assessment or treatment being offered.
From www.asha.org 'using term telepractice':
"Because clinical services are based on the unique needs of each individual client, telepractice may not be appropriate in all circumstances or for all clients. Candidacy for receiving services via telepractice should be assessed prior to initiating services. The client’s culture, education level, age, and other characteristics may influence the appropriateness of audiology and speech-language services provided via telepractice."
We use the Zoom Video Conferencing Platform.
It is encrypted to ensure we have a secure connection to maintain privacy and confidentiality.
We use the 'waiting room feature' which ensures the SLP only 'admits' the client into the session. We also password protect sessions.
Zoom is free to use and our clients have found it easy and user-friendly.
The SLP sends you an email with a Zoom link and password.
Prior to your first session, click on the link to be prompted to download the Zoom program to your computer, or download the Zoom app if you are using a tablet or an iPad.
Click to complete a Join Meeting Test
At the time of your session, click on the link to join the session and enter the password.
You will enter the waiting room, and the SLP will admit you into the session when it is time.