It is essential that families participating in early intervention services receive these services in their natural environments.  Many families in Viriginia live in areas where there is a shortage of providers and SLPAs are an answer to providing quality services in those areas.  In order to increase access for families with infants and toddlers eligible for early intervention services, we need to allow for flexibility with regards to how SLPAs are supervised.  I support the use of telemedicine for supervisoin by an SLP and I also support allowing the SLP or the SLP's employing agency to determine the number of SLPAs that can be effectively supervised by that SLP.