Frequently Asked Questions
Does VMA advocate with parents in IEP and 504 Meetings?
Absolutely! I was Certified at Dyslexia Training Institute and have been attening IEP Meetings since 2009!
Advocacy Services are for families who seek to understand how to help their child learn and thrive in their current educational environment.
Does VMA conduct Evaluations, Assessments, or Screenings?
Absolutely! As a Speech-Language Pathologist and Certified Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist, I can evaluate, assess, or screen your child in many of your areas of concern (in Arkansas), such as language, speech, reading, spelling, and swallowing.
VMA Evaluates, Assesses, and Screens in order to:
-provide recommendations for specific formal testing procedures that most efficiently identify areas of need for medical/educational-based services
-guide specific questions to ask during a formal evaluation based on individual concerns identified during the consult
-propose functional goals for an Individualized Plan of Care, Individualized Education Plan, and/or an Individualized Family Service Plan.
What is VMA’s Tutoring?
Tutoring is part of an educational model for service that assumes educational support is needed for a mutual educational goal.
VMA services are geared toward families seeking answers from an experienced expert for a predetermined educational skill.
VMA kindly supports tutors by empowering further exploration through guidance, education, actions, and resources.
VMA supports the team that participates in guiding children through tutoring services. This is a parent, teacher, tutor, therapist, advocate, or caregiver who supports a child.
VMA provides tutoring services through guided Reading Interventions and Camps in Northwest Arkansas.
How much do VMA appointments cost?
Pricing is based on your needs and starts at $50 for a 30-minute session. Payments and documentation are conducted through Simple Practice, a safe and secure platform.
VMA also offers a FREE chat when getting started. I will ALWAYS be glad you reached out!
What is Case Management?
Case management is a specialty practice within the health and human services profession. With case management, everyone benefits when children reach their goals!
Case management facilitates the achievement of the client’s wellness and autonomy through advocacy, assessment, planning, communication, education, resource management, and service facilitation.
VMA’s CCM is based on the needs and values of the family. In collaboration with all service providers, the case manager links clients with appropriate providers and resources throughout the continuum of health and human services and care settings while ensuring that the care provided is safe, effective, client-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable.
CCM achieves optimum value and desirable outcomes for all!
Who does VMA Service?
I specialize in development from birth to twenty-one years old. I also have a specialization in coordinating and implementing transitional services for young adult populations. See About Me to learn more!
Does VMA provide Medical Services?
No, VMA does not provide Medical Services.
VMA Consultants skillfully point families toward appropriate local community resources if medical or educational necessity is indicated to help families effectively find appropriate solutions and resources.
VMA’s services are intended to build rapport with parents who advocate.
Advocacy services are personalized toguide individual goals based on appropriate circumstances.
What is the difference between clinical services and personal consultation services?
Clinical services assume MEDICAL or EDUCATIONAL NECESSITY for MUTUALLY PRESCRIBED GOALS.
Personal consults assume support to achieve a desired outcome.
Personal consultations are not clinical or therapeutic; they are not focused on one person in particular but on the resources as a whole.
VMA is excellent support for anyone frustrated while navigating clinical services!
How are VMA appointments prior to educational and medical-based evaluations beneficial?
Consultations prior to formal evaluations are recommended to:
-provide recommendations for specific formal testing procedures that most efficiently identify areas of need for medical/educational-based services
-guide specific questions to ask during a formal evaluation based on individual concerns identified during the consult
-propose functional goals for an Individualized Plan of Care, Individualized Education Plan, and/or an Individualized Family Service Plan.
Does VMA accept insurance?
No, personal consult services for family advocates are not covered under insurance and do not qualify as a medical necessity.
VMA supports families financially by connecting families with available resources that are either unknown to them or that they may be unable to navigate or access appropriately.
VMA understands and seeks to resolve the financial burden that advocates face. Consultations SAVE advocates money by connecting families to accessible, appropriate resources!
What are some of the most common goals targeted during VMA appointments?
Because VMA’s families are unique, so are their needs and challenges. With that in mind, I do frequently assist with the challenges such as:
Accessing resources in the community
Navigating the models of intervention
Thriving during family activities
Communicating advocate concerns.
Navigating local school district challenges
Diagnosing Dyslexia
Diagnosing Language Disorders
Diagnosing speech Disorders
Progress monitoring Speech
Does VMA support homeschooling for children with special needs?
Yes! VMA understands that for many families, homeschooling may be the best option to thrive educationally. Furthermore, VMA also understands that ‘homeschooling’ is a legal term that assumes advocates are the experts of their families. VMA helps families understand the local state’s homeschool requirements and how to apply the appropriate resources and laws available. It is important to note that in over 30 states, homeschooled students may qualify for special education services! VMA believes that families who thrive together have the tools to successfully give children a quality education at home.
