Virtual learning is a large and lasting part of Michigan education. In 2024-25, Michigan had 70 full-time virtual schools enrolling 49,864 students, and students in special education made up 14% of all virtual learners (Michigan Virtual, 2024-25 effectiveness report).
Those students have the same rights to evaluations and related services as students in a brick-and-mortar building. The difference is where the services happen, and who is in the room.
What makes online schools different
The student is at home. Therapy has to fit around online classes, not pull the student out of a hallway.
A parent or learning coach is part of the team. For many students, especially younger ones, the adult at home makes or breaks a session.
Students may live anywhere in the state. A single school can serve families from Detroit to the Upper Peninsula.
Evaluations still need to be done well. Some evaluations can be done remotely, and some cannot.
What to expect from a therapy partner
Therapy that works from home
Live sessions by video, one-on-one or in small groups, with the same goals, data and IEP paperwork as in-person therapy. ASHA's guidance is that telepractice should be of equal quality to in-person services, and that schools provide the equipment and connectivity (ASHA telepractice).
Scheduling around the student's day
A good partner plans sessions so they fit the student's online class schedule instead of competing with it.
A real partnership with the learning coach
The adult at home does not need to be a therapist. They need to know how to set up the session, when to step in, and what to practice between sessions. Treating them as part of the team pays off for students.
An in-person option when it matters
Not every evaluation or student is a good fit for video. A partner with physical clinics can see a student in person when a remote evaluation is not the right call.
Michigan licensure
Clinicians must be licensed in the state where the student is located during the session (ASHA). For a Michigan virtual school, that means Michigan-licensed providers.
Beyond speech
Online schools often need more than speech therapy: occupational therapy, social work, school psychology, and help keeping 504, IEP and MTSS paperwork in order. Working with one partner that covers several roles cuts down on vendor juggling.
How Anwar House of Therapy supports online schools
We plan therapy around each family's day and work with the parent or learning coach at home. Our speech-language pathologists deliver live therapy by video, and because we are a clinic with locations in Ann Arbor and Dearborn, we can talk through in-person options when video is not the right fit. We also provide evaluations, including Arabic bilingual evaluations, and 504, IEP and MTSS consulting.
Frequently asked questions
Can you provide speech therapy for a Michigan online school?
Yes. Our speech-language pathologists deliver live therapy by video to students at home and work with parents or learning coaches.
What does a student need at home?
A laptop or tablet with a camera, a reliable internet connection, headphones with a microphone, and a quiet spot. For younger students, a parent or learning coach nearby helps.
Do you provide other related services for online schools?
Yes. Beyond speech, our school team includes occupational therapists, social workers and school psychologists, plus 504, IEP and MTSS consulting.
Running an online or virtual school in Michigan? See how we work with online schools or call (734) 224-9121.
