Students Master their Goals with Online Speech Therapy
If it is a miracle, any sort of evidence will answer. But if it is a fact, proof is necessary.” ~ Mark Twain
Hello Everyone,
Online speech therapy is a successful platform for ensuring students achieve their IEP goals. A recent study that was presented in the International Journal of Telerehabilitation provided new evidenced-based conclusions about the value of telepractice. The article is entitled: A Pilot Exploration of Speech Sound Disorder Intervention Delivered by Telehealth to School–Age Children. Researchers provided articulation therapy to school age children through either of two platforms: telehealth or side-by-side therapy. Pre and post intervention scores were measured using the Goldman Fristoe Test ofArticulation – 2nd Edition. Results indicated that,
“Students in both service delivery models made significant improvements in speech sound production, with students in the telehealth condition demonstrating greater mastery of their Individual Education Plan (IEP) Goals”.Quick Facts from the Article:
1. Improved Scores from Baseline to Post-Intervention (Table 6; Page 37)
- Telehealth Therapy: 98% of the baseline scores improved
- Side-by-Side Therapy: 95% of the baseline scores improved
- The Point: Results suggest that both groups made similar amounts of progress.
2. Comparison of Groups at Fourth Quarter Progress Report (Table 8, Page 38)
- Telehealth Therapy: 84% mastered IEP Objectives; 16% achieved adequate progress
- Side-by-Side Therapy: 47% mastered IEP Objectives; 40% achieved adequate progress; 13% did not have the IEP objectives introduced
- The Point: More students than expected (84%) mastered IEP goals in the telehealth group as compared with 46% who mastered IEP goals in the side-by-side group.
3. Across both groups of participants (telehealth and side-by-side), there was a significant improvement in performance. (Page 35)
4. The study involved a trained E-helper, competent speech-language pathologists, and other essential parameters to optimize a successful program for the students.
5. The software selected for use in the current study for both therapy conditions (i.e., telehealth and side-byside), was TinyEYE Speech Therapy Software (Sutton & Brick, 2005). (Page 34)
The study was conducted by:
Susan Grogan-Johnson, PhD (Speech Pathology and Audiology Department, Kent State University, OH)
Rodney M. Gabel, PhD (Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH)
Jacquelyn Taylor, MA (Private Practice, Wilmington, NC)
Lynne E. Rowan, PhD (Speech Pathology and Audiology Department, Kent State University, OH)
Robin Alvares, PhD (Speech Pathology and Audiology Department, Kent State University, OH)
Jason Schenker, PhD (Foundations, Leadership, and Administration, Kent State University, Kent, OH)
Access the article from:
International Journal of Telerehabilitation • Vol. 3, No. 1 Spring 2011 • (10.5195/ijt.2011.6064)31-42
Follow the online or PDF link:
Telehealth and Speech Therapy Study (PDF)
http://telerehab.pitt.edu
Talk soon,
Marnee Brick, MSc
Speech-Language Pathologist and Director of Speech Therapy
TinyEYE Therapy Services (Speech Therapy Telepractice)
Growing smiles, mending spirits, engaging children in their lives…
TinyEYE is the world’s preferred online speech therapy service provider for schools, agencies, and individuals who seek exceptional performance, revolutionary solutions, outstanding service, and student success!
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