Teletherapy has improved access to speech and language intervention and the need continues to grow! We know that there is often a learning curve to provide therapy virtually. Check our these teletherapy friendly websites and activity ideas to use for your virtual sessions!

Using Teletherapy to Support AAC 🔗

Teletherapy allows AAC users to participate in therapy sessions from their homes, schools, or other familiar environments. In fact, there are many speech apps with remote access capabilities. Virtual sessions can provide opportunities to work on communication goals while incorporating activities that are motivating and accessible.

When paired with intentional AAC modeling and meaningful interaction, teletherapy can be an effective way to support language development and communication growth. The key is selecting activities that encourage engagement while providing opportunities to model and practice AAC use throughout the session.

Teletherapy-Friendly Websites🔗

PinkCat Games🔗

PinkCat Games offers a selection of free games to utilize via teletherapy. You can search or create your own questions, or pick a game to use without questions and incorporate language modeling into the game!

• Use Feed the Shark to model core vocabulary such as “eat,” “want,” and “more.”
• Practice requesting items before feeding the shark.
• Use Build the Monster to target clothing vocabulary, descriptive language, and prepositions.

ABCYA🔗

ABCya features educational games for students Pre-K and above that can easily be incorporated into language intervention or used for motivation! To play all of the games, you’ll need a subscription, but they have six free games available every week!

• Play six free games each week!
• Print out the “Today I’m Feeling” worksheet, point and model the emotions.
• Storymaker by ABCYA allows users to create stories and artwork to build your own story then read it together!

National Zoo Webcams🔗

Virtual Field Trip to the Zoo takes your client on a virtual trip to see exotic animals!

• Label animals and describe what they are doing.
• Model action words and descriptive language.
• Practice core words such as “go,” “like,” “in,” and “out.”

Hidden Pictures🔗

Highlights Kids Hidden Pictures provides opportunities for visual scanning and communication!

• Label objects found in the picture.
• Model phrases such as “I see.”
• Use words like “help,” “look,” and “find” during the activity.

Boom Cards🔗

Boom Learning interactive activity decks can be used remotely! Sign-up for free and play with free decks built by SLPs.

• Give students control of the activity to increase engagement.
• Use favorite activities as motivation!
• Incorporate core vocabulary throughout gameplay.

AAC Game Play🔗

AAC Game Play provides pre-made activities to support language learning through AAC.

• Teach cause-and-effect concepts.
• Explore AAC-supported language activities.
• Create custom games using videos and preferred content.

PBS Kids🔗

PBS Kids easily incorporates language into child-friendly activities!

• Use favorite characters to increase motivation.
• Discuss feelings and emotions using PBS programs.
• Model vocabulary during play-based interactions.

Click Here for more details on utilizing virtual activities and remote access to AAC Apps

Tips for Coaching Communication Partners🔗

Consider including a coaching style of intervention into your sessions to maximize the benefits of teletherapy! Coaching emphasizes the importance of integrating AAC into natural contexts and daily routines.

1. Model AAC Consistently – show clients, caregivers, and other communication partners how to use speech apps effectively. This ensures that everyone is familiar with AAC and will make the device a natural part of the day.
2. Advocate for In-Class Support – when working remotely with schools, advocate for an on-site AAC facilitator for your clients. The facilitator can assist with troubleshooting technical issues and relaying strategies to teachers and school support staff.
3. Do Virtual Classroom “Push-Ins” – Offer coaching to teachers and educators on how to integrate the device into the classroom routine and check in with clients during the school day.

Virtual and Valuable!🔗

Teletherapy continues to play an important role in expanding access to AAC. By combining engaging online activities with intentional AAC modeling and communication partner coaching, you can create meaningful, interactive experiences that support communication growth.

Need more suggestions? Don’t forget that your SLP Empowerment team is here to help!