EARLY INTERVENTION FOR SWALLOWING AND FEEDING DISORDERS

Workshop Description

Swallowing and Feeding Disorders (Dysphagia) in the Schools

Instructors
Justine Joan Sheppard and Hilda Pressman

Our themes for this two day workshop are:

The educational relevance of pediatric dysphagia programs in the schools,
The unique and valuable opportunities in the school environment for improving swallowing and feeding abilities and
Making the most of the eating opportunities in the schools, and
Strategies specifically tailored for school-based assessment, treatment and training.

During the first day we will discuss special features of a school based program. This includes legal and ethical issues, administrative supports, dysphagia teams, the individual clinician’s role, and classroom-related service collaborations. The afternoon is devoted to functional and efficient screening and assessment strategies for evaluating and organizing the caseload and, when needed, obtaining instrumental and medical assessments by community based clinicians.

During the second day we will focus on daily management and treatment issues. These include the Individualized Classroom Eating Plan for maximizing health, safety and nutrition, improving skills and behaviors during school eating activities, educationally appropriate treatment strategies for improving skills and competencies in children with the full range of special needs, and collaborating with families.

For each of these topics, we will provide up to date, literature based information, NMA developed materials for practical applications and our personal expertise and case examples.

This workshop is intended to inform, energize and motivate school based personnel who are interested in engaging in this rewarding practice area.

In addition, on March 25, in Peapack, NJ there will be a special three and a half hour workshop titled Pediatric Dysphagia Fundamentals. This workshop, a review of the essential developmental dysphagia basics, is a bonus offered at an especially low fee for workshop participants.

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