NE Ohio Times

State Representatives Sarah Fowler Arthur and Beth Lear have introduced legislation aimed at helping recipients of the Autism and Jon Peterson Scholarship program. The proposed legislation seeks to make permanent the remote treatment services that these scholarship recipients have been receiving for the past three years.

Fowler Arthur explained, "Our bill language corrects these oversights and ensures that Jon Peterson and Autism Scholarship recipients may receive telehealth therapy services when called for by the child’s IEP."

The legislators emphasized the importance of telehealth services, particularly for families in rural or underserved areas where specific providers may not be readily available. Lear shared her personal experience, stating, "I have two grandsons who have needed therapeutic services, and it has vastly improved the quality of life for them and their families." She highlighted the positive impact of speech and language therapy on her grandsons' communication and learning abilities, advocating for equal opportunities for all Ohio children to access such services.

In addition to addressing the provision of telehealth services, the legislation also aims to resolve a billing issue that has affected speech-language pathologists and literacy intervention specialists providing services to students within the scholarship program. The proposed change is expected to enhance students' access to essential therapy and tutoring services.

The measure is currently awaiting a bill number and committee assignment as it progresses through the legislative process.