4/15/20 ISHA, ASHA, and Provider Connections are still refusing to allow for SLPA professionals to provide Teletherapy for Speech and Language services to Children in Early Intervention. Many children remain without therapy services. 

The Governor  previously issued an Executive order to expand Telehealth services throughout Illinois. At that time, IDFPR provided a variance to Speech and Language Pathologists and SLP COLLEGE STUDENTS to provide teletherapy services but NOT practicing Speech and Language Pathologist Assistants with full caseloads of children in Early Intervention. In essence a variance was provided for students with little to no practical experience but not to working professionals. 

The practice act for SLP, SLPA's and Audiologists does not have any specific language that excludes teletherapy. It does contain language that SLPAs cannot do independent consultation. Live Video Visits in Early Intervention are Direct Therapy sessions, using the goals and strategies implemented by the IFSP. They are not consultations. 

Bryan White the Executive Director at ISHA has provided guidance to to make sure as many people as possible reach out to the following people to advocate for a variance for Speech and Language Pathologist Assistants to be allowed to provide direct therapy services via Telehealth :

IDFPR: 1-800-560-6420 and/or FPR.LMU@illinois.gov 

Illinois Department of Human Services Bureau of Early Intervention: Jennifer.Grissom@Illinois.gov

Please help SLPA's return to work! Children in Early Intervention need their services!