This journal self-study course explores some considerations that SLPs who work with specialized patient populations in various health care settings face in dysphagia management. Articles discuss instituting dysphagia exercise programs for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; the injury process and acute care management of individuals with dysphagia due to chemical ingestion; and preliminary evidence concerning new speaking valve technology for patients living with tracheostomy. The final article evaluates from a legal perspective the common practice of encouraging patients who decline dietary restrictions to sign waivers of liability.

Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:

• state theoretical and empirical rationales for implementing an exercise regimen for patients with dysphagia secondary to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• explain the nature of injury and management strategies for individuals with dysphagia from chemical ingestion
• describe a new speaking valve technology with potential to enhance quality of life for patients with tracheostomy
• define legal and ethical terminology relevant to dysphagia management and critique the practice of requiring waivers of liability

Learning Assessment
Online, multiple-choice exam