We are all in this together. Early interventionists are exploring and learning new telehealth options. For many, this may mean learning new technology platforms, navigating limited wifi access, and simultaneously focusing on providing exceptional service delivery through telehealth. Teleflections©, a new resource, provide reflections from early interventionists who share their own experiences including their successes and challenges. Each week new videos are posted.

There are a variety of ways to access the Teleflections© series. Follow us on:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• YouTube (Teleflections© Playlist)

During this time of uncertainty, it helps to normalize our experiences and laugh (maybe sometimes cry) about them together. You can also check out the COVID-19 and EI Tele-Intervention Updates page for the latest resources.

Let’s take a look at some of the recent Teleflections©.

In Teleflections© 2, Julie Vaughn (SLP) was honestly states, “I won’t lie. It’s not my thing. It’s just not my thing, but I am making the best of it. I have learned a lot this week about computers and technology.” Coming out soon, Julie shares a new video with her successful update on how she has grown over the past two weeks. This is something new and we have to give ourselves time and patience as we all learn together.

In Teleflections© 4, Missy Rose (PT) shares her experiences as a physical therapist who relies on her hands to gain information about a child. Make sure you do not miss her fancy doll she uses to support families learning different positioning techniques. Many of us are nervous about not being in the home, but we are all learning we can still coach families to support their child’s development in naturally occurring routines and activities. We have even heard so many successes about coaching families and seeing a larger variety of routines as we navigate this together.

In Teleflections© 5, Stacie Jackson (LSM and SC) shares her experience waking up at 3:45 the morning of her first intake. It is safe to say many of us have experienced restlessness or disrupted sleep. After all, we’re all experiencing similar responses together.

The latest Teleflections© 6, Dana Carroll (OT) shares her experience from a mother who was really nervous at first. Dana describes the mother as being “over the moon” by the end of the session. Many families may be worried about how they will continue to support their child’s development during this time and it is a great way to remind them that we are all in this together.

Check out Teleflection©s by following our social media. We would love to hear about your experiences.

What has been your biggest success (or challenge)?

Share your experiences in the chat below!

The post Introducing Teleflections©: We Are All in This Together appeared first on Early Intervention Strategies for Success.

As we all scramble to adjust to a new way of living and working amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, telecommuting or teleworking has become the “new normal” for many. Not to be confused with the buzzing topic for early interventionists of tele-intervention or tele-health (that’s a topic for another blog, perhaps), Merriam-Webster simply defines telecommuting as,” to work at home by the use of an electronic linkup with a central office.”

Schools, agencies and businesses are struggling to support educators, students, and employees to adapt to an entirely new way of distance working. As a professional telecommuter for the past 18 years, I am paying close attention to concerns voiced by colleagues via emails, social media posts, and conference calls.  As I have listened and observed, this blog sort of began to “write itself” in my head and I decided to put “fingers to keyboard” to provide some perspective and tips.

When I was offered the opportunity to telecommute, it was a scary consideration. Naturally an extrovert, I wondered how I would cope with far fewer personal interactions. I also had to combat (for myself and others) telecommuting misperceptions. Oh, the questions and comments I’ve received or heard:

Question 1: “Do you roll out of bed and work in your jammies?”

Answer: Nope

Definitely not a morning person, I decided almost immediately that I could not afford to ease into my day differently than when I went into the office. When my alarm goes off at a set daily time, I shower, dress, and yes, I also “do my hair” every morning. While I don’t wear the kind of clothes I would wear for an in-person meeting, I’m always dressed in appropriate clothes if my video camera is ever on, which it frequently is! My girls used to laugh at this and asked why I went to the trouble when I wasn’t seeing people. Why? Because I’m a professional.

Question 2: “Do you watch TV or Netflix?”

Answer: Never

It actually never crossed my mind to have the TV on during the day. I wouldn’t watch TV if I was in the office so why would I ever do that while at work, even from home. Overtime I created a home office space that is really my designated work area. I go to my “office” just as I would go to my agency office. There is no TV anywhere close. Why? Because I’m a professional.

Question 3: “Aren’t you tempted to eat all the time?”

Answer: No

While my kitchen is very close to my home office, I quickly decided that I would adhere to a typical work meal schedule. I eat breakfast before I go to my office. Most days I take a lunch break and go to my kitchen or sit on my porch for a change of scenario. Just like in an office job, I do spend probably far too many days eating lunch at my desk. I’ve never really been tempted to add a lot more snacking or eat more. Why? Because I’m a professional.

Question 4: “I would be on social media all day. Are you?”

Answer: Again, nope

We are all using probably far more social media to stay connected during these uncertain times. I am, too. One thing I caution is to be very careful what you are posting during your typical office hours. People are watching. Your supervisor may be watching as well. It may be a good time to think about what you are posting during business hours. Are the posts job related? If not, might be a good idea to hold off posting until after work hours. I am NOT discouraging posts that uplift your colleagues. I just have seen some posts about what folks are “binge watching” while I know their agency has required telecommuting. This kind of post, unfortunately, supports telecommunicating misperceptions and diminishes the effectiveness of distance working.

So basic questions answered, I want to take a moment to think about the great things regarding telecommuting. I am fortunate to have a job, one that is allowing or promoting my telecommunication. I have great “officemates” with my two dogs. I am able to practice social distancing. I have great technology to connect with colleagues via web-conferencing tools and phone calls. I am contributing to the well-being of friends, colleagues, and larger communities.

Has your agency modified your working situation or required telecommuting? What has been difficult? What is going well?

The post Perspectives from a Professional Telecommuter appeared first on Early Intervention Strategies for Success.