The future of speech therapy

We are told that we are now living in a digital economy. So what does that mean for Speech and Language Therapists? The profession has for so long relied on face to face appointments and paper-based materials in order to allow a therapist to help a client. In recent years I have come across one or two websites that have attempted to help therapists engage in a more modern way with clients. Now, too, are a number of apps designed for people to use at home or to enhance face to face therapy sessions. But are we really embracing new technology and taking advantage of what is available? Are we responding to the changing need of the public? There is much that can be done via websites, video and forums. Yes, for a proper assessment, nothing beats face to face, but preventative work, training, and continued support can be done in many other ways that are more convenient and effective.