Dyslexia South - Covid-19 Policy

In this document, "we", "our", or "us" refer to Dana Murphy-Francis and Dyslexia South.

“There is a communication challenge for all regarding reduced clarity and audibility while wearing face masks and face coverings. There is also an issue of equality in respect of the deaf community and those with hearing impairment, who rely on lip reading to communicate on an equal basis. It is also the case that the appearance of opaque personal protective equipment (PPE) may be distressing or confusing for people with communication challenges, including potentially people with aphasia, autism, dementia or learning disability, as well as for children. As health services restart, it is not always possible for speech and language therapists (SLTs) to work at a two-metre distance from their clients. By the nature of what they do, which is supporting and developing someone’s speech, language and communication, it is very important that their client can see their mouth and face, in a safe manner.” RCSLT Policy Statement on transparent face-masks, September 2020.

Assessment and intervention will be provided remotely where possible. This may not always be possible, for example when working with younger children or when there are other disabilities such as hearing impairment or difficulties such as attention deficits. Face-to-face visits will generally be conducted in schools or in a client’s home; these settings are deemed as non-clinical and low risk by the RCSLT. (RCSLT guidance on reducing the risk of transmission and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the context of COVID-19. October 2020).

The SLT will wear a face-mask whenever possible. However, during a speech and language or SpLD assessment or intervention, it is mostly essential that our mouth and face can be seen and so the face-mask will be removed during assessment/therapy. Children under the age of 11 are not required to wear a face-mask, however anyone else attending the appointment e.g. a parent/guardian, should wear a face-mask throughout the appointment. Only one additional person should attend the appointment.

If a client or anyone in their household or bubble (e.g. school/support/work) has any symptoms of Covid-19, has been advised to get tested, or is awaiting the results of a Covid-19 test, they should inform us prior to 9ur arrival so that the appointment can be rescheduled. A visit cannot take place until either a negative test result is received or until after the end of a 14-day isolation period from the onset of symptoms of themselves or anyone in their bubble or household.

If a client or anyone in their household or bubble (e.g. school/support/work) has travelled internationally to a country that has not been agreed as safe for travel by the government, they must inform us and reschedule the visit for after the isolation period has been completed.

We will try to maintain a social distance of 2-metres at all times, however there are some cases where this may not be possible, for example when working with young children who cannot understand these guidelines. In these instances, a 2-metre distance will be kept as much as possible, however the parent or guardian of the person would, by signing this a printed version of this document which will be provided when booking, be consenting to assessment despite the inability to always maintain a 2-metre distance.

The client or parent/guardian of the client must inform us if they or anyone in their household are shielding or immunocompromised. In these instances, additional steps may need to be taken to reduce any risk of transmission.