FAQs
+ What is speech therapy?
Speech-language pathologists (therapists) help people of all ages with support regarding communication and swallowing.
This clinic offers intervention or “therapy” services to support children and youth up to age 18 years that have been identified by a caregiver, education or healthcare professional as having a speech or language difficulty. Speech therapy involves visits between a client (and sometimes their caregiver) and a speech-language pathologist. Specific communication goals are set with the client and their caregiver. The speech-language pathologist the provides direct teaching with the child, modeling and coaching with the parent to support their child and opportunities for lots of repeated practice.
Please note that referrals to this clinic will only be accepted if completed by a legal guardian.
Visit the CASLPO website to learn more about speech-language pathology in Ontario and the OSLA website for more information on a speech-language pathologist’s role.
+ What is online speech therapy or teletherapy?
This is basically the same as an in-person visit in a speech therapy clinic but we connect via our computers.
This clinic uses ZOOM as our platform (so you can connect directly with the speech-language pathologist from your computer at home). This is a platform that is free-of-charge for families. Instead of traditional paper resources, we interact through screen sharing and using digital resources.
As part of our drive to be paperless and to share home practice activities with clients without delay, families have access to private Google Drive folders shared with their speech-language pathologist.
With screen sharing, your child can move the mouse on the SLP’s screen.
+ Why should I choose online speech therapy?
Some of the benefits of online therapy (as compared to traditional in-person visits):
- Improves access to services for people in rural and remote communities.
- No travel time and no traffic.
- Some parents find it easier to be present and participate in the sessions.
- The family is in the comfort of their own home.
Some of the challenges of online therapy (as compared to traditional in-person visits):
- You need access to reliable wifi (adequate bandwidth) and equipment (see below for details).
- It can be hard to find a quiet space at home for the session.
- A caregiver must be available to assist with technological difficulties.
Unfortunately, online services are not for everyone. the speech-language pathologist is happy to talk to prospective families to determine if this model is a fit for them at the moment.
+ What equipment is the best for teletherapy?
Here are items that are NEEDED to participate:
- Stable internet/wifi connection
- Device with a video camera (see a comparison of common devices below)
Here are items that may help your child participate:
- Quiet room
- Headphones
Computer or laptop with external mouse
This is the best situation as it allows the child/youth the most amount of independence in their ability to participate. This allows them to use the mouse to control the speech-language pathologist’s screen during the session.
Smartphone
Although most phones will allow the client to control the speech-language pathologist’s screen, please remember that the screen on a phone is small.
Laptop with trackpad or
iPad/tablet
This allows the same amount of control as a device with a mouse. However, the child/youth must interact with the track pad to do certain functions (ex. slide an item across the screen).
Chromebook
With this device, the child/youth will only be able to view the speech-language pathologist and her screen. They will not be able to control the screen remotely. This device also has the limitation of movements needing to be accomplished via touch screen.
+ Do you offer assessment services?
Yes. Please contact us regarding pricing. Additionally, the initial visit with the speech-language pathologist includes a discussion with parents/guardians regarding goals and an informal assessment of their child’s current skill level.
+ Are speech and language services covered by OHIP?
No, private speech and language services are not covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Please check with your private insurance provider to see if speech and language services are covered. We provide receipts for all services provided.
For information about free-of-charge preschool-aged services in the Sudbury area, see Preschool Speech and Language Services Sudbury Manitoulin or in Ontario see Preschool Speech and Language Program Locations. Please contact your child’s school to see if they qualify for free-of-charge school-based services.
+ Are speech and language services covered by NIHB?
No, private speech and language services are not covered by Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB). We can help facilitate requests through Jordan’s Principle for interested First Nations families.
+ What are your rates?
Therapy sessions: 30 minutes (85$), 45 minutes (115$), 60 minutes (150$).
+ What are your hours?
Appointments are available between 9 am and 6 pm Monday to Saturday. We will try to accommodate your schedule as much as possible.