The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced today the first-ever service delivery model for Early Intervention (EI) services through live video visits.

Families will now be able to receive services through video for their infants or toddlers with disabilities or delays.

Early Intervention services include help with movement, learning, interacting, behavior and self-help skills.

In light of the COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, EI face-to-face services were suspended on March 16.

Since then, the IDHS EI team has worked to secure an effective way to continue EI services, virtually.

Consideration was given to delivery procedures, consent, confidentiality and privacy, platforms, billing, accessibility and equity.

As a result, EI services can now be provided virtually over the internet with video and audio features and with the EI provider and family present in real time.

The therapy can be delivered over any platform so long as it is not public-facing, to ensure privacy.

IDHS is also developing tip sheets to provide families with concise information about the process, along with tips and recommendations to get the most out of live video visits.

The Illinois Telehealth workgroup developed guidance and training for live video visits Guidance and training were posted the evening of April 6. Families will begin hearing from EI providers this week as live video visits are launched.

To access EI services, visit bit.ly/3e6qzis.

For guidance on video visits, visit bit.ly/39VPgL9.