What is the role of the school-based SLP in serving students with dysphagia?
SLPs may be asked to assess and provide speech-language services for students with dysphagia. As noted in the Discussion Section of IDEA 2004 Part B final regulations, students may be eligible for dysphagia services under the disability category of “Other Health Impaired (OHI).” Recent ASHA surveys indicate that 10% of school-based SLPs now provide services to children with dysphagia. School districts are forming dysphagia management teams that include school nurses, SLPs, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other school personnel. Some of the activities teams engage in include interpreting medical records, organizing continuing education, developing educational materials and writing feeding treatment plans. For more information see ASHA’s professional consultation packet, Dysphagia Services in Schools.
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- What is the role of the school-based SLP in serving students with dysphagia?