Health Care & Business Institute
Session Descriptions
Unless otherwise noted, the instructional level for all sessions is intermediate and assumes familiarity with foundational professional knowledge and terminology.
Sessions are organized into four tracks:
Opening Plenary
PL1 - A Value Proposition: Speech-Language Pathology in the New Health Care Landscape
Paul R. Rao, PhD, CCC-SLP
How will we transition from today's volume-based reimbursement system to a value-based model of service delivery? The change will come—the only issue is whether we'll embrace a new paradigm or push against the tide. In his keynote address, Dr. Rao paints a picture of health care reform's impact on the field of communication sciences and disorders. Glimpse a new world in which SLPs lead the way in putting patients' experiences front and center, demonstrating value in enhanced communication function, and working tirelessly to "make effective communication, a human right, accessible and achievable for all."
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- describe a value-based service delivery paradigm and how it differs from the current volume-based system
- discuss new partnerships and alliances necessary for SLPs to thrive in a value-based environment
- describe the International Classification of Function as a framework for demonstrating the value of speech-language pathology services
Business
B1 - Documentation: What, Why, and How to Do It Better
Nancy B. Swigert, MA, CCC-SLP, BRS-S
(3-hour workshop)
It often seems we spend more time documenting what we've done than actually doing it. What is really required by Medicare and other payers? Are there ways to streamline documentation? What about electronic medical record-keeping? In this workshop, you'll review documentation requirements and share tips for streamlining the process. You'll also get practice and feedback on writing good, measurable, long- and short-term goals and treatment objectives—the foundation of any documentation system—for a range of adult disorders.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- describe Medicare requirements for various forms of documentation (e.g. evaluations, certifications)
- discuss the relationship of Medicare requirements to those for other payers
- identify and analyze flaws in poor documentation
- develop sample measurable long- and short-term goals and treatment objectives for a variety of disorders
B3 - Changes to Medicaid: What's the Impact?
Laurie Alban Havens, MA, CCC-SLP
No health care practitioner is unaffected by Medicaid, the largest health care payer in the United States. Even if you don't serve Medicaid clients, the program's influence on the health care marketplace is enormous. This session gives you a Medicaid primer with an emphasis on how to analyze the effects of changes to Medicaid on your practice setting.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- distinguish Medicaid from Medicare and describe the basic roles of federal and state governments
- define key Medicaid terminology, including "under the direction of"
- describe basic Medicaid coverage for adults and children and elements that differ from state to state
- discuss the possible expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act and what it may mean for coverage of speech-language pathology and audiology services
- locate and use your state's Medicaid resources, including information about Medicaid expansion
B4 - Can Telepractice Work for You?
Carol C. Dudding, PhD, CCC-SLP
If you're considering extending your business model to include telepractice, this session will help you make an informed decision. We'll review equipment and infrastructure needs and costs and discuss technology selection, security and privacy, provider training, reimbursement, and licensing issues. You'll be better able to evaluate the feasibility and sustainability of various telepractice models for your business environment, and to create a plan of action based on your analysis.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- determine an appropriate telepractice model based on needs assessment
- discuss technology, confidentiality, and security issues related to various telepractice models
- identify training needs for persons engaged in telepractice
- discuss licensing and reimbursement issues related to telepractice
B5 - Productivity and Other Demands: They Expect Me to Do What?
Nancy B. Swigert, MA, CCC-SLP, BRS-S
(3-hour workshop)
Does your boss understand all the things you have to get done in a day? Or have any idea how interruptions affect your time with patients or how much time the documentation takes? On the other hand, do you understand what's driving your boss? Have you mastered the art of persuasion when you need to ask for something? In this session, using exercises and demonstrations, we'll break "the productivity problem" into components and tackle each one with practical strategies.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- discuss how the current health care environment affects the provision of speech-language pathology services
- describe different methods for calculating productivity
- generate creative solutions to meet productivity demands
- use effective problem-solving and communication skills with administrators
B7 - Legal Implications of Ethical Choices in Patient Care
Heather Bupp, Esq.
When your professional obligation to honor a patient's choices seems to conflict with your duty to safeguard patient health and safety, you're facing a difficult ethical dilemma—and one with legal implications as well. This session helps you understand the factors that enter into balancing patient autonomy, health, and safety. You'll discuss patients' legal rights and explore issues related to determining decision-making capacity, with attention to applicable requirements of ASHA's Code of Ethics.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- describe the sources of patients' legal rights
- compare applicable requirements of the ASHA Code of Ethics to selected state licensure board codes of conduct or disciplinary regulations
- enumerate the factors that enter into a patient's decision-making capacity
- discuss issues related to waivers, guardianship, powers of attorney, and surrogate decision makers
B9 - What's New for 2013? Making Sense and Cents of Health Care Coding Changes and Medicare Billing Requirements
Dee Adams Nikjeh, PhD, CCC-SLP
(Repeated as session B15)
Get critical updates to make sure you are reimbursed promptly and fully, even in today's rapidly changing health care environment. You'll learn how you should be changing your billing practices to comply with recent changes to diagnostic and procedural coding systems, and the introduction of new speech-language pathology evaluation procedure codes. Using case scenarios, you'll untangle some typical coding and billing conundrums and learn to avoid common pitfalls. Finally, we'll trace the implications of current trends in valuation of speech-language pathology services.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- describe health care coding changes that impact SLP reimbursement
- discuss the latest changes to the current Medicare Physician Fee Schedule
- implement National Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) edits and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding modifiers for more efficient billing of services
- discuss future trends for valuation of speech language pathology procedures and the focus on value, not volume, of service provision
B10 - It's a Business (Ad)Venture! Strategies for Program Success in the Changing Health Care Environment
Ann W. Kummer, PhD, CCC-SLP
In today's health care environment, pressures to boost productivity, lower costs, and improve quality mean that every clinician needs to be savvy about business issues. In this session you'll get tips and strategies to improve your business productivity and efficiency through smart, creative business practices. We'll talk about how to grow current programs and services, identify new program possibilities, maintain your current "customer" base, and attract new business. Finally, we'll discuss how you can position your program not only to survive, but to thrive in the new environment represented by the Affordable Care Act.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- describe methods for increasing productivity and efficiency through smart business practices
- apply strategies for new program development and marketing
- discuss paradigm shifts in methods of service delivery and reimbursement
B11 - The Art of Influencing Others (Without Twisting Any Arms!)
Ann W. Kummer, PhD, CCC-SLP
If you can influence others, you're a leader—regardless of your title or position. And every clinician needs to exercise situational leadership from time to time, notably in therapy teams and working with patients and families. In this session, you'll learn about the sources of power to influence others. We'll analyze the characteristics of influential people and discuss strategies to enhance your IQ (influence quotient). You'll come away better able to influence others to follow your lead in business, professional, clinical, and personal situations.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- discuss the importance of having the skill to influence others
- list the primary sources of power and influence
- describe effective methods of influence and the characteristics of those who do this well
- describe at least three effective communication strategies to influence others
B12 - Transparency, Reimbursement, and Ethics
Heather Bupp, Esq.
Can your treatment plans and billing practices stand up to scrutiny by payers and patients? Increasing demands for transparency in billing and reimbursement call some common business practices into question and raise ethical issues. When a needed service is not covered by insurance, why are you encouraged to provide it? How can you document the outcomes? What are the ethical implications of unbundling speech pathology services? This session examines these questions and others concerning reimbursement, marketing, advertising, and sales, with special emphasis on applicable provisions of the ASHA Code of Ethics.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- discuss ethical issues in connection with marketing professional services and selling related products
- compare marketing, endorsing, and advertising from the perspective of professional ethics
- compare relevant provisions of the ASHA Code of Ethics to selected state licensure board codes of conduct or disciplinary regulations
- discuss ethical issues and transparency principles common to Medicare, Medicaid, managed care, fee-for-service, and self-pay environments
B13 - Starting a Private Practice?
Denise Dougherty, MA, CCC-SLP
Thinking about starting a private practice? Come to this session to develop your to-do lists. Using worksheets, you'll begin to flesh out critical elements of your business plan: your practice's strengths and weaknesses, competitor analysis, potential referral sources, marketing strategies, start-up costs, and fixed and variable expenses. You'll generate a list of questions to discuss with your attorney and leave the session armed with the elements of a solid foundation for your new business.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- articulate your vision for your private practice
- identify strengths and weaknesses of your practice compared to the competition
- list the components of a business plan and begin to develop a plan for your practice
- analyze start-up and continuing costs
B14 - Supervision: Strategies for Evaluation and Assessment
Carol C. Dudding, PhD, CCC-SLP
Whether you're supervising a student, a clinical fellow, or another professional, a core part of your responsibility is evaluating and giving feedback to the supervisee. This session gives you practical strategies to address some of the common challenges of supervisory assessment, including setting clear expectations, identifying possible sources of bias in your observations, giving corrective feedback, and supervising people who differ from you in age, culture, or personality.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- describe supervisory requirements and guidelines in the health care setting
- set key goals for supervisory assessment and evaluation
- avoid common supervisory pitfalls
- accommodate different cultural, generational, and personality characteristics in assessment and evaluation
B15 - What's New for 2013? Making Sense and Cents of Health Care Coding Changes and Medicare Billing Requirements
(See session B9.)
B16 - Health Care Changes and You
Speaker Panel: Laurie Alban Havens, MA, CCC-SLP; Dee Adams Nikjeh, PhD, CCC-SLP; Paul R. Rao, PhD, CCC-SLP; Nancy B. Swigert, MA, CCC-SLP, BRS-S
Major transformations in the health care environment are underway; what are you doing to prepare? In this session, a panel of experts will help you identify things you can do right now to position yourself and your work unit for big changes in reimbursement, measurement, interdisciplinary work, and patient-centered care. Come prepared with questions and ideas to share.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- discuss at least two actions you can take in your work setting to prepare for value-based service delivery and reimbursement
- discuss the meaning of "patient-centered value creation"
- describe how bundled payments may change service delivery patterns
Adult Neurogenic Disorders
N1 - Assistive Technology for Cognition: Process and Product
Don MacLennan, MA, CCC-SLP
(Recommended as a prerequisite for session N6.)
The process of selecting and implementing assistive technology for cognition (ATC) is as important as the hardware or software you recommend for your clients with brain injury. In this session, we'll focus on process elements that promote successful adoption, generalization, and maintenance of ATC, with an emphasis on evidence-based practice. Using case studies, we'll examine the components of effective needs assessment, instructional techniques, and maintenance strategies. You'll come away better able to reap the benefits of this rapidly emerging field for your clients.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- describe the evidence base for current practices with respect to ATC
- apply a needs-based assessment process for ATC that matches appropriate technology to the person
- use instructional techniques that facilitate learning and maintenance of ATC strategies
N2 - Assessment and Treatment Planning for the Laryngeal Airway
Bari Hoffman Ruddy, PhD
Christine Sapienza, PhD, CCC-SLP
In this session, we'll review the tools to assess the airway in issues relating to voice function, with special attention to recent advances in technology and current changes in medical models. We'll compare in- and out-patient assessment protocols and discuss changing models for outpatient rehabilitation.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- identify key anatomical and physiologic components of the laryngeal airway as they affect voice disorders
- discuss assessment tools for airway examination/evaluation for voice
- demonstrate the ability to plan and implement airway assessment and treatment for voice
N3 - College After TBI: Best Practices in Self-Coaching and Cognitive Rehabilitation
Don MacLennan, MA, CCC-SLP
Get practical strategies to develop academic readiness in students returning to college after traumatic brain injury (TBI). We'll examine recent research that suggests a combination of self-coaching strategies and cognitive rehabilitation may enhance academic success for college students recovering from TBI. You'll take away practical strategies to support students in self-learning, self-management, and self-advocacy along with standard academic accommodations.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- identify the challenges faced by students returning to school after TBI
- describe services typically available to students on campus
- use an evidence-based model to facilitate students' self-coaching strategies
N4 - Treatment for Aphasic Agrammatism in a Value-Based Health Care Environment
Richard K. Peach, PhD, CCC-SLP
Treatment for agrammatic language production that focuses on surface grammar can be difficult to justify in the new outcomes-based health care landscape. In this session, learn about a treatment approach that addresses agrammatism at the message level of sentence production and emphasizes functional outcomes of improved communication. We will also discuss approaches to assessment that support functional treatment plans and strategies for demonstrating the value of your services.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- discuss the linguistic and psycholinguistic factors that underlie agrammatic language performance
- identify assessments for agrammatism that address the needs of an outcome-based health care system
- describe current approaches to the treatment of agrammatism as they relate to components of the World Health Organization classification of functioning and disability
N5 - Global Aphasia: Assessment and Intervention in a Changing Health Care Environment
Richard K. Peach, PhD, CCC-SLP
Learn to demonstrate the value of evidence-based management of severe aphasia. We'll review patient factors that suggest more favorable prospects for recovery, discuss how to apply these data in clinical decision-making, and examine approaches to assessment and treatment that improve patient-reported communication outcomes.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- discuss the features of global aphasia, including etiology, patterns of evolution and outcome, and factors related to recovery
- describe and develop contemporary goals for assessment and treatment plan
- select and use current testing measures and treatment programs that focus on improving patient-reported communication outcomes for global aphasia
N6 - Assistive Technology (AT) Devices and Software for Adult Neurogenic Rehabilitation: Part I
Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center AT Team
James A. Haley, VA Hospital, Tampa, Florida
(Session N1 is recommended as a prerequisite. This session is recommended as a prerequisite for session N7.)
Get information and practical recommendations to support clients who are undergoing neurogenic rehabilitation using assistive technology (AT). In this session you'll review a decision tree to guide AT assessment and discuss how interdisciplinary team members contribute to rehabilitation. We'll demonstrate a range of AT devices and applications, with an emphasis on "thinking outside the box" to adapt new uses for apps or technologies.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- use a decision tree in your technology assessment process
- analyze advantages and disadvantages of a given technology for clients with different diagnoses
- apply strategies to increase patient use of assistive technologies in and outside the rehab setting
- access and use resources to remain current with advances in technology
N7 - AT Devices and Software for Adult Neurogenic Rehabilitation: Part II, Case Studies
Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center AT Team
James A. Haley, VA Hospital, Tampa, Florida
(Sessions N1 and N6 are recommended as prerequisites.)
Analyze case studies of six patients with different disorders (polytrauma, dysarthria, mTBI, minimally conscious state, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and aphasia), and discuss how you would approach assessment and treatment for each, emphasizing assistive technology (AT) strategies. We'll emphasize creative uses of apps and other technologies, along with solutions tailored to the individual patient's needs.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- apply a systematic decision-making process to adult neurogenic rehabilitation using assistive technologies
- compare and contrast the utility of various AT devices and software for patients with different diagnoses
N8 - Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health
Cathleen Shields, MS, CCC-SLP
Learn to identify signs and symptoms of psychological health issues often associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) but frequently overlooked in rehabilitation. We'll discuss posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and substance misuse, among other co-morbidities, with emphasis on removing barriers to care and working effectively with TBI survivors, their families, and caregivers.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- identify the signs and symptoms of PTSD, depression, and substance misuse in individuals with TBI
- cite up to five resources for health care providers, TBI patients, their family members, and caregivers
- discuss common myths and misconceptions about PTSD
Swallowing
S1 - SLP Roles in the Intensive Care Unit
Martin B. Brodsky, PhD, CCC-SLP
Learn to navigate the demanding, fast-paced—but extremely intriguing and often rewarding—environment of the intensive care unit (ICU). SLPs in the ICU provide direct patient care, play critical roles in patient communications, and are key stakeholders in patients' advancement from the ICU to the medical floor and beyond. We'll review elements of a typical ICU and patient room and discuss the utility of patient monitors for diagnostic and therapy sessions. You'll take away suggestions for more efficient patient contact time and improved communication among patients, medical personnel, family, and friends.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- identify common ICU equipment and its uses
- identify at least three resources for successfully navigating the critical care medical setting
- discuss the larger context in which to interpret the ICU patient's medical history and current condition
- implement strategies to improve communication with your patient and the ICU medical team
S2 - Radiologic Work-up of Dysphagia: A Primer for the Practitioner
Ilona Schmalfuss, MD
Examine a range of radiologic imaging modalities in addition to barium contrast methods and consider how they may be used in diagnostic work-ups for patients with dysphagia. Dysphagia is associated with a wide range of mucosal and non-mucosal disease processes spanning from the brain to the gastrointestinal junction. This session will help you compare and contrast the utility of different imaging modalities for various etiologies.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- discuss advantages and disadvantages of different imaging modalities used in the assessment of patients with dysphagia
- determine which imagining type is indicated for specific disease processes of the upper aerodigestive tract, head, neck, and chest
S3 - Radiation Safety for Your Patients and Yourself
Martin B. Brodsky, PhD, CCC-SLP
Patient exposures to ionizing radiation range from seconds to minutes during a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). Clinicians who regularly perform VFSS, however, may be subject to cumulative exposure over many years. This session distills current literature, policies, guidelines, standards, and directives into recommendations for more efficient VFSS, effective shielding, and safe practice for both patients and clinicians.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- explain the four principles of radiation safety for patients and clinicians
- describe at least four methods of protection from excessive radiation exposure for patient and clinician
- describe how the radiation badge is useful for radiation safety
- apply three techniques during the VFSS to improve efficiency and reduce radiation exposure
S4 - Mucosal and Non-Mucosal Causes of Dysphagia
Ilona Schmalfuss, MD
Paula A. Sullivan, MS, CCC-SLP
Learn to recognize mucosal and non-mucosal causes of dysphagia as they appear in different radiologic diagnostic images, including barium contrast studies. Dysphagia may be associated with mucosal lesions caused by infection or inflammation as well as the more common squamous cell carcinomas. Non-mucosal causes of dysphagia include submucosal abnormalities, spinal and paraspinal lesions, and central nervous system abnormalities. Enhance your ability to "think outside the aerodigestive tract" and make appropriate referrals for further diagnostic work-ups for your patients with dysphagia.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- distinguish between benign and malignant mucosal causes of dysphagia in radiologic images
- discuss common imaging findings of non-mucosal causes of dysphagia
S5 - "Working out" Dysphagia With Exercise-Based Treatments
Lori Burkhead Morgan, CCC-SLP
The use of swallowing exercises to treat oropharyngeal dysphagia has gained momentum in both research and clinical communities. Learn what constitutes an exercise (as opposed to an activity) and how to incorporate exercises systematically into your work with people with dysphagia.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- discuss three basic requirements needed to classify an activity as "exercise"
- describe the structure and muscle fiber type associated with oropharyngeal musculature
- name two muscular changes that occur with both conditioning and deconditioning
- select appropriate exercises to use in therapy with clients who have dysphagia
S6 - Swallowing and Respiration: Assessment and Treatment
Michelle S. Troche, PhD, CCC-SLP
Learn why evaluation of the swallow-respiration relationship should be part of every dysphagia assessment. Using case studies, we'll practice identifying breakdowns of swallow-breathing coordination and selecting appropriate rehabilitative and compensatory techniques.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- discuss current evidence describing swallow-breathing relationships
- describe and identify breakdowns to swallow-breathing coordination that might occur with disease
- select appropriate rehabilitative and compensatory techniques to manage dysphagia secondary to respiratory dysfunction
S7 - Feeding, Swallowing, and Nutritional Care in Late Life
Paula A. Sullivan, MS, CCC-SLP
When an elderly person presents with severe dysphagia or weight loss, families or surrogates often find themselves in emotion-filled situations, facing limited options and a lack of evidence about appropriate goals of care. This session provides a patient-centered framework that SLPs and interdisciplinary team members can use to identify and prioritize goals of care and to engage meaningfully with patients, families, and surrogates on these critical issues.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- explain components of comprehensive swallow, feeding, and nutritional assessment
- design and implement patient- and family-focused treatment plans that aim to preserve function and maximize quality of life
- recognize markers of poor prognosis in elderly patients and adjust treatments appropriately
- use specific strategies to help patients and families identify, express, and achieve goals of care relative to nutrition and eating
S8 - Disordered Cough (Dystussia) and Dysphagia Management
Michelle S. Troche, PhD, CCC-SLP
Learn to identify and target cough dysfunction in your patients with dysphagia. Although an effective cough is essential to airway protection and contributes to preventing aspiration pneumonia, cough dysfunction receives relatively little research or clinical focus. Learn about the mechanisms underlying cough dysfunction and how you can apply this knowledge in your clinical work with patients with dysphagia.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- discuss the importance of effective cough function for managing airway protection
- detect changes to cough that might occur with neurologic disease
- describe and use rehabilitation techniques for managing airway protection disorders
S9 - How I Do It: Demonstrations from Master Dysphagia Clinicians
Lori Burkhead Morgan, PhD, CCC-SLP
Paula A. Sullivan, MS, CCC-SLP, BRS-S
This technical session includes three 30-minute demonstrations.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- How to Use a Tongue Strengthener by Lori Burkhead Morgan
- How to Incorporate Biofeedback Equipment in Treatment by Paula Sullivan
- Counseling Patients and Families in Difficult Situations by Paula Sullivan and Lori Burkhead Morgan
Pediatrics
P1 - Assessment Challenges in Auditory Processing Disorders (APD)
Gail J. Richard, PhD, CCC-SLP
Differential diagnosis of auditory processing disorders (APD) remains complex and sometimes controversial. While the primary responsibility for diagnosis lies with the audiologist, the SLP evaluates the functional impact of APD on language and learning. This session provides an operational definition of APD that allows differential diagnosis of the disorder's major components. You'll review assessment results in several case examples and come away with increased confidence in your ability to functionally assess APD.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- delineate aspects of auditory processing that need to be evaluated in assessment procedures
- interpret auditory processing test results to determine deficit areas
- differentiate acoustic, phonemic, and linguistic aspects of APD
- discuss controversial issues that confound assessment of APD
P2 - Treatment Decision Dilemmas for Auditory Processing Disorders (APD)
Gail J. Richard, PhD, CCC-SLP
Clinicians providing therapy for children diagnosed with auditory processing disorders (APD) struggle with the complexity of the disorders, lack of agreement about symptomatic components, and absence of definitive research findings. This session reviews various treatment methodologies, analyzing their advantages and disadvantages over a range of skills in acoustic, phonetic, and linguistic aspects of APD. Case studies will give you the chance to make treatment recommendations.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- evaluate the strengths and limitations of various treatment methodologies for APD
- discuss the trends emerging from research on treatment of APD
- apply strategies to determine primary symptomatic deficits of APD to address in treatment
P3 - Using Music to Enhance Speech and Language in Young Children
Rachel Arntson, MS, CCC-SLP
Learn how to use music to reach specific speech and language goals with children as young as infants and toddlers. Music can be used to improve interaction, imitation, articulation, and sound blending; to promote social interaction; and to encourage home practice of target skills. Best of all, music can transform even the most reticent child into an active verbal partner. We'll review the developing research literature on the topic and also experiment with techniques for writing songs and lyrics to support specific goals. Warning: Actual singing (with props) will occur!
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- describe at least three research studies related to the use of music and learning
- list 3–5 components of a verbally enticing song for young children with limited verbal skills
- list and use 5–10 songs that emphasize verbal imitation skills, social interaction, and receptive and expressive language
P4 - Assessment and Treatment of Swallow Dysfunction in Pediatric Patients With Tracheostomies
Heather Keskeny, MA, CCC-SLP
Learn how to approach feeding and swallowing assessment across developmental stages in children and adolescents with tracheostomies. Using videos and small-group analysis of case studies, we'll present specific problem-solving strategies for a variety of medical conditions including young children with respiratory challenges from prematurity and pediatric patients with airway anomalies, degenerative conditions, or traumatic brain injury.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- describe the developmental progression of oral feeding skills and diet advancement in young children who have a tracheostomy and are ventilator dependent
- develop assessment and treatment plans for a range of conditions in children and adolescents with dysphagia who have tracheostomies
- select and use appropriate therapy techniques and tools to maximize patients' skills
P5 - Improving Feeding of Infants With Tracheostomies
Heather Keskeny, MA, CCC-SLP
Enhance your ability to evaluate and treat oral feeding in infants with tracheotomies. We'll review the underlying respiratory conditions that lead to tracheotomy placement in infants and discuss complications that affect success in bottle feeding. Using practical scenarios, you'll analyze case studies and get feedback on your solution. You'll come away better prepared to initiate and advance oral feeding in an infant with a tracheotomy.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- describe respiratory complications in infants that lead to tracheotomy placement with ventilator dependence
- apply observations of infant behaviors to develop appropriate feeding plans
- appropriately use various nipple and bottle types in therapy sessions to maximize feeding skills
P6 - Play, Language, and Children's Development
Carol Westby, PhD, CCC-SLP
Improve your ability to harness children's natural playfulness to build the language, social-emotional, cognitive, and self-regulatory skills essential for social and academic competence. A child with disabilities who can play with other children experiences growth opportunities that are not developed by therapeutic goals focused on isolated skills and tasks. In this session, you'll examine the role of play in children's physical and mental well-being and development. You'll learn to evaluate children's play skills and develop play-based goals and objectives. You'll come away with a fresh perspective on the central role of play in children's development and a new set of tools to use play to promote academic and social success.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- discuss the role of play in social-emotional, language, and literacy development
- evaluate children's play skills
- write play-based goals and objectives
- advocate effectively for opportunities for play in school settings
P7 - How Is My Child Doing? A Communication Framework for Families
Rachel Arntson, MS, CCC-SLP
Two great challenges in working with young children are (a) sharing your findings about a child's communication development with families and caregivers, and (b) coaching them to use techniques that promote carry-over from therapy. This session gives you a systematic, flexible framework for presenting each child's unique and complex communication profile in clear, understandable terms. In addition, you'll learn techniques you can teach to family members and caregivers to develop and reinforce basic communication skills, such as attention-shifting, imitation, and turn-taking in young children.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- use a seven-skill framework to describe a young child's communication strengths and needs to family members and caregivers
- develop intervention plans tailored to each child's communication profile
- teach family members and caregivers specific techniques to encourage and reinforce a child's communication development
P8 - Developments in Theory of Mind
Carol Westby, PhD, CCC-SLP
Learn to recognize delays and deficits in theory of mind (ToM) in children from infancy through adolescence and devise strategies to develop it. We'll review current research documenting neural bases for emotional understanding and ToM and examine environmental factors that influence ToM development. You'll come away with the ability to develop protocols to assess ToM development of infants/toddlers, preschool, and school-age children, and target ToM in intervention.
After completing this session, you will be able to:
- describe the developmental stages of ToM from infancy through adolescence
- summarize current research documenting neural bases for emotional understanding and ToM
- explain environmental factors that influence ToM development
- design a protocol for assessing development of ToM