Space and tech setup made simple
As an industry pioneer since 2009, we’ve helped hundreds of school districts across the U.S. set up their remote service programs. Use this guide to learn more about our recommendations for setting up yours.
The essentials of teletherapy
Whether you need remote support for individual teletherapy, group sessions, or assessments, chances are your school already has everything you need to get started.
Distraction-free space
Students need a quiet, distraction-free space for teletherapy. Depending on the assessment or services provided, the area should be private or semi-private.
Computer with camera
Computers should have integrated cameras or attached webcams and updated browsers. Dedicating these computers exclusively to your school’s teletherapy space minimizes last-minute configuration and ensures they’re always ready for use. Interested in using iPads? Learn more.
Headset with built-in microphone
High-quality, noise-isolating headphones with microphones reduce background noise and allow students to hear the clinician and on-screen activities clearly. Wired headsets are recommended, ensuring that they are always charged, connected, and ready to go.
Mouse wired to computer
A mouse reduces fatigue or inaccuracies sometimes caused by a trackpad or touchscreen. It’s also especially helpful for younger students or students with fine motor limitations. A wired mouse ensures that it is always charged, connected, and ready to go.
Teletherapy essentials at a glance
These are the baseline requirements for individual teletherapy sessions based on service type.
- Speech therapy
- Semi-private spacePrivate space*Computer with built-in cameraHeadset with microphoneMouseAdditional camera**
- Occupational therapy
- Semi-private spacePrivate space*Computer with built-in cameraHeadset with microphoneMouseAdditional camera**
- Mental health counseling
- Semi-private spacePrivate space*Computer with built-in cameraHeadset with microphoneMouseAdditional camera**
- Psychoeducational assessments
- Semi-private spacePrivate space*Computer with built-in cameraHeadset with microphoneMouseAdditional camera**
| Speech therapy | Occupational therapy | Mental health counseling | Psychoeducational assessments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-private space | ||||
| Private space* | ||||
| Computer with built-in camera | ||||
| Headset with microphone | ||||
| Mouse | ||||
| Additional camera** |
* All remote assessments should be conducted in a quiet and private area alongside a Primary Support Person.
** The additional camera for remote assessments must be a document camera. For occupational therapy sessions, either a webcam or document camera is acceptable.
Missing something? Let’s explore alternative solutions. Contact your Customer Success Manager or email asksupport@presence.com.
Modifications for groups and high support needs
Your students’ needs are unique and, sometimes, certain teletherapy groups and services call for something extra. Along with the essentials (see above), here are some additional requirements by group/service:
Group therapy
Each student in group sessions should have their own dedicated computer for teletherapy. In some situations, like social communication therapy, sharing devices between students may be acceptable.
For occupational therapy, we recommend groups of 2 with a gooseneck-mounted webcam between student computers to provide adequate visibility and flexibility between student workspaces.
High support needs (functional curriculum, early childhood, AAC)
An additional camera feed is recommended to integrate the student’s computer activity, tabletop manipulatives, and/or alternative communication method.
Have a unique scenario? We can work with you. Contact your Customer Success Manager or email asksupport@presence.com.
Device and browsers
In order to use all functions of the Presence platform effectively, you must use a device with an updated operating system and an updated web browser. The following devices, browsers, and versions are currently supported:
| Devices | Browsers |
|---|---|
| A PC running Microsoft Windows® 8 or later | Latest version of Google Chrome™, Mozilla Firefox™, or Microsoft Edge™ |
| A Mac® running Apple macOS® 10.12 or later | Latest version of Google Chrome™, Mozilla Firefox™, or Microsoft Edge™ |
| A Chromebook™ with a minimum display size of 11.6 inches, running the latest version of Chrome OS™ | Latest version of Google Chrome™ |
| An iPad, iPad Air, or iPad Pro with a minimum display size of 11.6 inches, running Apple iPadOS® 13.6 or later | Latest version of the Apple Safari® |
We do not support Internet Explorer on Windows, Safari on macOS, or other browsers not listed above. You can download one of the supported browsers through these links:
Security, firewall, and content filtering
If you are a school district, your IT department will need to review the following sections to enable or whitelist certain necessary domains. View complete security, firewall, and content filtering requirements.
Frequently asked questions
- What if our space, technology, and service needs require a different setup than what Presence recommends?
-
We’re committed to helping your district build a teletherapy program that works with what you have and meets the needs of your students and staff. If you need to make any changes to the recommended setup, just reach out to your Customer Success Manager–they’re here to help!
- Can we use iPads for special education-related service delivery?
-
While iPads and large tablets can be used for speech-language teletherapy and mental health counseling, they’re not supported for assessments and occupational teletherapy due to screen size limitations and the need for desktop cameras. If you’re thinking about using an iPad, talk to your Customer Success Manager first.
- Can we use our student’s school-assigned computers for teletherapy?
-
We understand that some schools might not have additional computers to dedicate specifically to teletherapy. In that case, it’s okay for students to use their assigned computers. However, this could mean more technical issues and longer transition times between sessions.
- How many students are in a teletherapy group?
-
When it comes to speech-language teletherapy and counseling, limit groups to 3 students or fewer. For occupational teletherapy, groups of 2 are recommended to ensure everyone’s desktop is visible during the session. For students who need extra support, like AAC users, young children, or those in functional curriculums, we suggest 1:1 sessions with a Primary Support Person.
- My students won’t tolerate headsets. Are they required for teletherapy?
-
When headsets aren’t an option, students must receive services in a quiet and private environment.
- Why is a second camera required for some services?
-
Remote occupational therapy works best when the clinician can simultaneously see the student’s face alongside their hands or workspace and vice versa. This requires a second camera.
Psychoeducational assessments require a document camera to accurately capture written work on the student’s desktop.
Serving students with high support needs often involves using tabletop manipulatives, toys, and alternative communication methods, which are best visualized with an additional camera feed.
- What role does a Primary Support Person play in psychoeducational assessments?
-
The Primary Support Person (PSP) is an onsite adult who manages virtual sessions for the student. PSPs will carefully stage testing environments, escort students to their testing locations, set up technology, and bring any materials that may be needed during the assessment.
- How do I know if my computer is compatible with the platform?
-
Visit setup.presence.com to run a quick Tech Check. If you run into any issues, email the results to asksupport@presence.com and we’ll take a look.
- How does the Presence platform protect student privacy?
-
Student data security is of the utmost importance to Presence: We will not sell or otherwise use or redisclose education records for targeted advertising or marketing purposes. For more information, please review our FERPA policy.
Let’s build your school’s teletherapy solution
Contact your Customer Success Manager or email asksupport@presence.com to find out how we can best support you.
Google Chrome and Chromebook are trademarks of Google, LLC; Mac, MacOS, iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro, iPad OS, and Safari are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.; Microsoft, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; and Mozilla and Firefox are trademarks of the Mozilla Foundation in the U.S. and other countries.