SPEECH TELEPRACTICE: INSTALLING A SPEECH THERAPY UPGRADE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

Much of speech therapy involves the clinician guiding the therapeutic process (e. g., presenting stimuli and eliciting client responses). However, this Brief Communication describes a different approach to speech therapy delivery. Clinicians at Waldo County General Hospital (WCGH) use high definition audio and video to engage clients in telepractice using interactive web-based virtual environments. This technology enables clients and their clinicians to co-create salient treatment activities using authentic materials captured via digital cameras, video and/or curricular materials. Both therapists and clients manipulate the materials and interact online in real-time. The web-based technology engenders highly personalized and engaging activities, such that clients' interactions with these high interest tasks often continue well beyond the therapy sessions.