WSRC Offers Telepractice During Shutdown

The Walker Scottish Rite Clinic at Maryville University will be offering telepractice sessions to support currently enrolled clients during the pandemic closure.  The Clinic is monitoring current research and technology requirements for telepractice, in partnership with the Speech-Language Pathology and IT Departments at Maryville. The Clinic’s speech-language pathologists have been attending continuing education (CE) webinars, through the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and other resources, to ensure that telepractice sessions will be equivalent to the quality of services provided in-person and consistent with adherence to the ASHA code of ethics.

The State of Missouri’s Department of Commerce and Insurance, which regulates professional licenses including speech-language pathologists and audiologist through the State Board of Healing Arts, has issued a bulletin stating that it “strongly encourages accessing healthcare services via telehealth in order to maintain social distancing” during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thanks to Maryville University and the backing of community supporters, the Clinic is prepared to utilize innovative methods during this crisis. According to Jacob Gutshall, program director of the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic, “The Clinic will continue to support the speech-language therapy home programs of each of the clients in our care during the closure. Our staff of SLPs are gearing up to utilize direct therapy through telepractice for children and families who are able to access those tools. But we realize that for many families access to technology is a large hurdle. With this in mind, we will continue regular consultations and traditional home-practice supports for all enrolled children.”