Presented by the Department of Speech-Language Pathology
Friday, May 16th, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Transform Dysphagia Treatment through the Lens of Contemporary Rehabilitative Approaches
and Eclectic Problem-Solving. All attendees must register by May 1, 2025
| 9:00 a.m. -12:15 p.m. | Symposium Agenda |
|---|---|
| 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. | Continental Breakfast and Registration |
| 9:00-9:15 a.m. | Introduction and Background |
| 9:15-10:00 a.m. | Overview of Contemporary Rehabilitative Treatment Approaches for Dysphagia |
| 10:00-10:30a.m. | Guided Case Study Discussion through Eclectic Problem Solving |
| 10:30-10:45a.m. | Break |
| 10:45-11:45 a.m. | Group Case Study Discussions and Problem Solving |
| 11:45 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Review of Key Points |
| 12:00-12:15 p.m. | Q&A |
Course Description
Dysphagia in adults may manifest as a symptom of various medical conditions, including stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), head/neck cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and even aging. It can result in malnutrition, dehydration, pneumonia, and reduced quality of life among those affected. Timely recognition and intervention, prioritizing restoration over compensatory approaches, are pivotal for ensuring improved patient outcomes. This seminar will provide a comprehensive overview of contemporary approaches to adult dysphagia rehabilitation within the context of foundational principles of neurophysiology and pathophysiology of swallowing, exercise physiology, motor learning, neuroplasticity, and sensory retraining. Case studies will be shared. A holistic focus on cultural considerations and bioethics in adult dysphagia rehabilitation will be discussed. Additionally, the seminar will feature case studies led by the presenter where attendees will work in groups under the presenter’s guidance to discuss adult dysphagia case studies using an eclectic problem-solving approach, fostering insightful discussions.
Learner Objectives
- The participant will explain the need for implementing rehabilitative over compensatory approaches to adult dysphagia treatment.
- The participant will describe the different contemporary rehabilitative approaches to dysphagia rehabilitation based on efficacy studies.
- The participant will formulate an individualized plan for adult dysphagia patients based on contemporary rehabilitative approaches and eclectic problem solving.
Disclosures
Financial:
- Dr. Rajappa is a salaried Assistant Professor at the Dept. of Communication Sciences & Disorders, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, PA.
- Dr. Rajappa’s research is supported by Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Faculty Professional Development Council Grants (FPDC) and Faculty Development Grants (FDR).
- Dr. Rajappa receives honorarium for this CEU event from Duquesne University.
Nonfinancial:
Dr. Rajappa is a member of Dysphagia Research Society (DRS), American Speech-Language & Hearing Association (ASHA) and Pennsylvania Speech Language & Hearing Association (PSHA). Dr. Rajappa is a Committee Member and President Elect of Healthcare and Tele practice Committee of PSHA. Dr. Rajappa serves on the advisory board of South Asian Caucus of ASHA, a multicultural constituency of ASHA (SAC-ASHA).
- Registration: Registration is free. All attendees must register by May 1, 2025.
- Registration policy: Each attendee must register separately. Space is limited so register early!!!
- Parking: Paid parking in Forbes Avenue garage.
- Who should attend: Speech-Language Pathologists interested in the evaluation and treatment of swallowing disorders.
- ADA: Please contact us a minimum of 2 weeks prior to the program for accommodations.
- Cancellations: Because we have limited seating available, please email%20Lori%20Marra if you need to cancel your registration.
