Belinda McDonald has worked with many people who have Parkinson’s disease over the last 20 years. Belinda uses a broad range of speech and swallowing treatment strategies according to each individuals’ needs and goals.
Belinda is a Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD ©) certified clinician. Belinda is also LSVT eLOUD certified. This means Belinda is certified to deliver LSVT LOUD © via telehealth, using Skype or FaceTime.
LSVT LOUD © is the internationally-recognised “gold standard” speech treatment for people with Parkinson’s disease. It is an intensive voice and speech treatment. The program involves having speech therapy sessions 4 times a week for 4 weeks in a row. Daily home practice is also required.
Once Belinda receives your referral to be assessed for suitability to receive LSVT LOUD ©, she does a comprehensive assessment of your speech and voice. The results will show if you will benefit from LSVT LOUD ©, or if another approach would be more beneficial.
If LSVT LOUD © is the most appropriate treatment for you, you can have therapy in one of the following ways:
- face-to-face only
- face-to-face AND remotely via Skype/FaceTime
- Skype/FaceTime only
If a person is unsuitable for LSVT LOUD ©, Belinda will discuss other treatment options to help make everyday communication easier.
Therapy via telehealth isn’t for everyone. It can be very useful for people who can’t access a Speech Pathologist, and people who feel comfortable using a computer.
To be able to do LSVT LOUD © via telehealth, you will need:
- a computer or laptop (PC or Mac) with an internal or external webcam and an internet connection
- Skype or FaceTime loaded onto your computer or laptop
- an ability to use a computer
- a helper may also be needed (especially if you aren’t very familiar with using a computer)
Contact Belinda to discuss whether LSVT LOUD © via telehealth might be appropriate for you.
