Development of an Interdisciplinary Dysphagia Team in the Public Schools

Abstract

This article describes the development of a school-based dysphagia team (swallowing action team [SWAT]) within the St. Tammany Parish School System located in Covington, Louisiana. The team's vision was to ensure safe nutrition and hydration for students at risk for swallowing dysfunction during school hours. This article addresses how the team was initially formed, the process of identifying students who were exhibiting a swallowing disorder, steps taken for staff development, and problems encountered in seeking administrative approval. The current status of the dysphagia program, as well as future plans for further implementation, are also presented.

Using Motor Learning Approaches for Treating Swallowing and Feeding Disorders: A Review

“…Whatever the cause, delayed and deficient development of eating skills may interfere with the child's participation in the school-based activities that involve eating. Furthermore, there may be health and safety ramifications associated with the elevated risk to the child of choking and /or inadequate nourishment and hydration while in school (Homer, Bickerton, Hill, Parham, & Taylor, 2000).…”

Overcoming Knowledge Barriers for Inclusion of School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists in the Management of Students with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

“…Admittedly, this could be a challenge for SLPs with large caseloads, and would require that administration reward the value of this work with time allotted toward participation as a member of this team. Models for team participation exist for school-based SLPs in areas such as literacy 77,78 and dysphagia, 79 but future work should explore this need specifically to address practical aspects of mTBI management in the schools. 80 Persistent beliefs and attitudes of other professionals may also serve as a barrier to SLP involvement on RTL teams for students with mTBI.…”

Swallowing and Feeding Services in the Schools: From Therapy to the Dinner Table

“…Each member brings specific expertise and work together to identify and treat swallowing and feeding disorders in the school setting. In addition, the school team works closely with the student's parents who also are members of the team, as well as, the medical team to ensure that the student is safe when eating at school (Homer et al, 2000;Homer, 2008). The SLP on the team functions as the case manager for the student and works to coordinate the team procedure and document the process (Homer, 2003).…”

“…The goal for the school swallowing and feeding team is twofold. The first and foremost goal is for the child to receive adequate nutrition and hydration at school in a safe manner (ASHA, n.d. ;Homer, 2008;Homer, Bickerton, Hill, Parham, & Taylor, 2000). The second goal is for students to tolerate optimal diet textures.…”