The recent research article, "Employment Loss in Informal Settlements during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Chile," provides a wealth of data that can inform and enhance the practices of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working with children in schools, particularly through online therapy services such as those provided by TinyEYE. This blog aims to illustrate how practitioners can implement the outcomes of this research to improve their skills and encourage further investigation.
Understanding the Context
The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching effects on employment, especially in vulnerable communities like informal settlements. The study conducted in Chile revealed that employment rates in these areas dropped significantly—by 30 percentage points in May 2020 and 40 percentage points in September 2020. This loss disproportionately affected immigrant populations and exacerbated existing inequalities.
Implications for Online Therapy Services
SLPs providing online therapy services to schools must consider the socioeconomic challenges faced by families in informal settlements. These challenges can affect children's access to online therapy and their ability to benefit from it. Here are some data-driven strategies to enhance therapy outcomes:
- Accessibility: Ensure that online therapy platforms are accessible on low-bandwidth internet connections and mobile devices, which are more commonly used in economically disadvantaged areas.
- Flexibility: Offer flexible scheduling to accommodate parents' fluctuating work hours and other responsibilities, which may have increased due to employment loss.
- Support Systems: Develop strong support systems within the community, leveraging neighborhood cooperation and local resources to provide additional support to families.
- Government Assistance: Advocate for increased government assistance and targeted programs to support families in informal settlements, ensuring they have the resources needed for their children's education and therapy.
Encouraging Further Research
While the current study provides critical insights, further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of employment loss on children's educational and developmental outcomes. Practitioners are encouraged to:
- Collaborate with researchers to gather data on the impact of socioeconomic factors on therapy outcomes.
- Conduct longitudinal studies to track the progress of children receiving online therapy over time.
- Explore innovative solutions and interventions that can mitigate the negative effects of employment loss on children's development.
Conclusion
The findings from the study on employment loss in informal settlements during the COVID-19 pandemic highlight the need for data-driven approaches in providing online therapy services. By understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by these communities, SLPs can create better outcomes for children.To read the original research paper, please follow this link:
Employment Loss in Informal Settlements during the Covid-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Chile.
