Case Study: Benton County School District achieves expanded access to online speech therapy for rural students with PresenceLearning

District Uses Assistive Technology Grant to Implement Online Speech Therapy and Train Neighboring Counties

Benton County School District in Camden, TN, serves about 2,300 PreK–12 students, including roughly 500 receiving special education. Because its rural location and staffing gaps left neighboring counties without licensed speech‑language pathologists to assess and treat students, the district pursued a state assistive-technology grant to explore online speech therapy as a solution.

Using the grant, Benton County implemented PresenceLearning’s online speech‑language services, trained surrounding counties, and communicated the change to parents (who were invited to observe sessions). The live, interactive virtual SLPs attend IEP meetings, collaborate with on-site staff, and have increased student engagement—especially for older students—while expanding access to needed assessments and therapy.

Benton County School District

Pam Chmelik

Director of Special Needs