Advances in modern technology mean that online speech, language and literacy therapy and teaching services can now be offered live via your computer. Therapy and teaching online is the flexible and cost effective way for many people to receive speech, language and literacy therapy services. All you need is a good internet connection. icommunicate can now conceivably deliver a service anywhere in the World.
How does it work?
Online consultations are conducted live via an internet connection. The therapist communicates with the client via an internet link which provides good sound quality, and a webcam. Therapy materials are administered via the computer screen and can be seen by both the client and the therapist simultaneously. Any additional materials and homework programs can be emailed. Therapy activities will generally be the same as those delivered in a face-to-face clinical environment. All you need is a computer, good internet connection, headphones (preferable) or speakers and a microphone (which is often already fitted on your computer). A webcam is not essential, but may be helpful in some cases. All online assessment and services provided by icommunicate are conducted by a fully qualified and certified speech and language therapist/pathologist, and full guidance will be given to help you login and connect with us.
Who do we provide a service for?
icommunicate offers services to both children, adults and schools. Providing you have an internet connection, we can offer services to anywhere in the World. These services work best for children aged 5 years and above who have reasonable listening and attention skills.
- Language Difficulties – expressive and receptive language difficulties, specific language impairment, and word finding difficulties
- Literacy Difficulties and Dyslexia- online therapy is an ideal way to work on literacy difficulties
- Training – if you need training relating to speech and communication difficulties, autism, special needs, or setting assistive communication devices or systems, this can be provided online
- Assessment – assessing speech, language and literacy skills and providing reports
Advantages of online therapy and teaching
There are a number of advantages to conducting therapy in this manner:
- Speech Therapy online may actually be more effective for some clients. Children with poor listening and attention skills and/or auditory processing disorders may benefit from the interactive nature of tele-practice and the use of headphones.
- There is a greater availability of therapy for individuals living in more rural areas, or areas where there is restricted access to speech-language therapy services.
- There are financial benefits for both the therapist and the individual, as services “online” may be cheaper than “face to face” services, and there are no costs in travel, and less administration.
- There are time benefits, as services online do not require you to travel to a clinic, or the therapist to travel to your home. There may also be more flexibly around fitting in with your schedule.
- There are also environmental benefits, with services being done online, there is no petrol consumption and possibly less paperwork being produced.
- If you choose to have your therapy live with icommunicate we can provide access to programs and resources (via email) free of charge so that you can practice in your own time.
- All online assessment and services will be arranged and conducted by qualified and certified speech and language therapists/pathologists.
How much does it cost?
Our rates are generally lower than face to face therapy as we do not have any travel or clinic costs. Please contact us about our rates.
Fees for schools are the same as individual fees, but if your school has 3 or more pupils that undertake regular therapy sessions, we may be able to offer discounts. Depending on technology it may be possible to set up an online language or literacy group with 2-3 students would reduce costs further.
Our prices include therapy homework programmes and any resources that are supplied.
Unfortunately we currently have no spaces for new clients, but feel free to contact us and we can place you on our waiting list.
Contact us at:
icommunicateonline@gmail.com
Videos
See the following videos for an explanation of Online Speech Therapy / Telepractice:
Speech Therapy Online (Telepractice):
Who can benefit from Speech Therapy Online
The Advantages of Speech Therapy Online
Testomonials
Johan Langfield undertook an assessment of the communication needs of our 15 year old daughter, who has severe multiple disabilities and is non-verbal. He showed a high level of skill, understanding, and knowledge, to complete a thorough assessment of her needs and capabilities, and was then able to successfully obtain funding for a computerised device that meets those requirements. He also provided training, both at school and at home, to ensure everyone will get optimal use from it. His work was at all times thorough, considerate, professional, and of the highest calibre. We would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending him to anyone requiring the specialist services of a Speech/Language Therapist”.
Pat and Steve Fox, Oamaru
Do you want to be an online Speech Pathologist?
icommunicate does not currently have any vacancies, but because we have many enquiries relating to online therapy from speech pathologists we have written a guide about how you can set up your own online service. Advances in modern technology mean that telepractice can be an effective tool for the treatment of people with speech, language and communication difficulties and disorders. icommunicate was one of the first organisations to start using telepractice as part of its service delivery. Telepractice offers many advantages for both the therapist and client. The speech pathologists at icommunicate have put together a simple guide to help you set-up your own telepractice service. The guide includes information about the equipment you need, how to set-up an online session, how to prepare assessment and therapy materials, billing, and advertising.
To find out more, order the icommunicate Guide to Telepractice and see how easy it is to add online clients to your caseload – Click here.
Further Information and Guidelines about Telepractice:
See the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and Speech Pathology Australia Position Statements and guides:
Telepractice for SLPs and Audiologists
Speech Pathology Australia Position Statement
* Please note, the terms speech therapist, speech pathologist, speech language therapist / pathologist all refer to same type of professional with the same qualifications and skills to practice. In some countries communication professionals are referred to as therapists, and in other countries they are referred to as pathologists.