Hope for the best, plan for the worst

 Hey Tek-ninjas! today's blog is not exactly uplifting, but I think it's important. Here in NC our governor has moved the state from Phase 2, to Phase 3. Folks are super excited about it. I do like our governor, and I don't want to discuss politics here, but I do want to say I believe this is not a wise course.  I would direct you to the John's Hopkins site where they show trends for Covid across the US. Find your state. I'll wait. 

I would understand moving to a more relaxed phase if we were showing level or decreased numbers. We aren't. Nor are most states. 

I'm sharing this site, and blogging about it today because I want to encourage folks to continue striving to hone your remote therapy/education delivery skills. The cliche my old martial arts instructor was fond of was "hope for the best, plan for the worst". 

I've watched and participated in a huge transformation across NC and VA as well as the rest of the country. Therapists from all disciplines, as well as educators, have learned how (and continue to evolve) to provide remote services to their clients who are in need. Professionals have leveraged tools like Zoom or Facetime to provide treatment, and shared success and failure stories with one another to improve their craft. We all recognized that the continuation of services is crucially important. We are aware of the importance of front-loading services when possible, as well as laying educational foundations. 

Some therapists and families have reported to me that they prefer remote therapy. SLPs have told me they get more parental involvement... mom and dad are no longer sitting in a waiting room, or dashing out to run an errand - but rather are facilitators. Therapist's have also reported less "no-shows". Parents have told me it's been such a relief to NOT have to bundle their other children into a car, drive however far - and maintain decorum in a waiting room while their child gets treated - which may well be a part of why there are less no-shows. 

My worry is that as services open back up, we may lose some of this hard won traction. I am generally not a pessimistic individual, but I believe that across the country most if not all states will be back in Phase 2 or even Phase 1 come spring time, especially if we do not get a vaccine. I hope I'm wrong. Nothing would make me happier. 

My call out to you all is to maintain remote services when and where appropriate. Continue to hone this part of your craft. Hope for the best, but plan for the worst. 

Happy remote therapy!