Speech Therapy

The ISMC speech teletherapy program utilizes the traditional pull-out model for therapy. This model is commonly used by school-based speech-language pathologists. Each student's speech teletherapy program is designed in accordance with goals established in the student's IEP, ASHA guidelines, and state guidelines. Students are seen in individual or group sessions. Session length is typically 30 minutes or the length deemed appropriate by the IEP team. Speech and language therapy activities vary according to the students' needs, abilities, and interests. Typical therapy materials include picture cards, worksheets, games, and storybooks. Utilizing the 'zoom' feature on the Polycom View Station (tm) SP128 enhances the view of the speech-language pathologist's mouth and the students' mouths during oral motor exercises and articulation activities. The Elmo Document Camera/Visualizer (tm) enhances the students' and speech-language pathologist's view of printed materials.

Paraprofessional

The contractual agreement between the facility and the school district designates that the school district provides a paraprofessional for the speech teletherapy program. Utilization of a paraprofessional by the speech-language pathologist conforms to guidelines set forth by the Oklahoma State Licensing Board for Speech-Language Pathologists. The paraprofessional is utilized as follows:

• Escorts the students to and from each speech teletherapy session
• Remains in the room with all students during each speech teletherapy session
• Sets-up therapy materials
• Assists with behavior management
• Communicates with the teachers about scheduling the students for speech teletherapy

IEP Meetings

The ISMC speech teletherapy speech-language pathologist participates in IEP meetings during on-site visits or through the teleconferencing connection. The ISMC speech teletherapy staff has worked with the Oklahoma Department of Education to develop a process for participating in the IEP meeting via teleconferencing. This process adheres to the State's guidelines for IEP meetings.

Periodic Site Visits

The speech-language pathologist makes periodic site visits when it is deemed necessary to evaluate a student in person, provide interim on-site speech therapy to designated students, or meet with parents and the educational team for IEP meetings.