A recent article by Hurtig et al. (2024), "Bridging the Gap: Insights from Telepractice Augmentative and Alternative Communication Services in the Digital Age," highlights the profound and sometimes unexpected advantages telepractice offers for individuals using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This research demonstrates how telepractice not only eliminates traditional barriers to care but also enhances the quality and relevance of AAC services in meaningful ways.
At Dynamic Therapy Associates, Inc. (DTA), we’re proud to see how the findings align with the teletherapy model we’ve developed. By embracing telepractice, we’ve been able to deliver highly effective, flexible, and family-centered AAC services that transform communication therapy for users and their families.
Highlights from the Hurtig et al. Article
The research gathered insights from speech-language pathologists (SLPs), AAC users, and their families, revealing several key benefits of telepractice:
- Increased Access to Services: Telepractice eliminates geographical barriers, connecting AAC users with experienced specialists no matter where they live.
- Therapy in Natural Settings: Conducting therapy in home environments allows for tailored strategies that meet real-life communication needs.
- Reduced Stress and Fatigue: Families experience fewer logistical challenges, such as arranging transportation, leading to improved attendance and engagement.
- Enhanced Family and Team Involvement: Caregivers and other team members can actively participate in sessions, strengthening the support system for AAC users.
This article reaffirms telepractice as not just a convenient alternative but an essential tool for delivering impactful AAC services.
How DTA’s Three Tiers of Teletherapy Align with the Research
DTA’s teletherapy model reflects the best practices highlighted in the Hurtig et al. study. Each tier is designed to meet the diverse needs of AAC users while maximizing the unique advantages of telepractice:
- Individual Therapy
- One-on-one sessions focus on communication goals in the user’s natural environment, promoting skill generalization and practicality.
- Family Coaching
- Caregiver training empowers families to integrate AAC strategies into daily routines. Research underscores that active caregiver involvement significantly improves therapy outcomes, which is a cornerstone of our coaching approach.
- Collaborative Consultations
- Educators, therapists, and other team members can join remotely to align strategies across settings. This collaborative model ensures seamless support for AAC users, no matter their environment.
Telepractice in Schools: Supporting District Teams and Students
Telepractice doesn’t just benefit families—it’s also a game-changer for school districts. At DTA, our teletherapists are actively involved as members of several school district IEP teams, ensuring that students receive high-quality speech therapy services.
Our teletherapists:
- Provide weekly therapy sessions to both speech-only students and those in special education.
- Collaborate with teachers, special educators, and administrators to align therapy goals with academic and social objectives.
- Actively contribute to IEP meetings, offering expert guidance to develop and implement effective communication plans.
Telepractice allows us to extend our expertise to schools, ensuring that students who need AAC or speech therapy have consistent, effective support integrated into their educational experience.
How Teletherapy Works at DTA
Starting teletherapy with DTA is simple and convenient:
- Families and schools receive a secure email invitation with a link to join their session.
- Sessions are conducted via platforms like Zoom or Google Meet, accessible on computers, tablets, or smartphones.
- Therapists work with families and educators to create a schedule that meets their needs and fits their routines.
We’ve been delighted to see the positive impact teletherapy has on families and schools, and we’re excited to make this service even more accessible.
