National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders

10/29/2026

🎃 👻 It's a Scary Time of Year! 👻 🎃

For children living with dysphagia (swallowing disorders) and their families, Halloween can be frightening for reasons beyond ghosts and goblins.

🍬 Did you know? For some children with dysphagia, eating candy can pose a serious choking risk. And because swallowing disorders are often invisible, you may never know which trick-or-treaters face these challenges.

Here's how you can make Halloween more inclusive:

🎁 Offer non-food treats like stickers, glow sticks, bubbles, temporary tattoos, or Halloween-themed pencils.

👻 Remember that not every child can safely enjoy traditional Halloween treats.

🧡 Help make sure every child feels included in the Halloween fun!

You can make a BIG difference with a small change to your trick-or-treat bowl.

🏠 Celebrating at home? Try pumpkin carving, spooky scavenger hunts, Halloween bingo, or a costume contest!

📖 Read our article, “It's a Scary Time of Year,” for more tips and ideas:
https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/its-a-scary-time-of-year/

🎃 Happy Halloween from NFOSD!

10/27/2026

We are proud to support the 2027 Swallow Symposium!

Register now for complimentary continuing education featuring international and nationally recognized speakers, two thought-provoking panel discussions, and a time for refreshments and networking.

🗣️ Panel 1: Advocacy in Practice 2:30-4:30PM

Patient-centered goals, difficult conversations, discharge planning, and complex clinical decisions.

🥂 Happy Hour and Networking 4:30-5:30PM

🗣️ Panel 2: Innovative Dysphagia Care in Stroke Management 5:30PM-7:30PM

Explore the stroke patient journey from the ER to discharge.

📅 November 18, 2026 | Indianapolis Marriott Downtown | Indiana Ballroom

Open to everyone. No ASHA Convention registration required!

https://dysphagiacafe.com/event/the-swallow-symposium-pre-asha-11-18-2026/

10/23/2026

💊 NEW RESOURCE: Struggling to Swallow Pills?

Swallowing pills shouldn’t be a daily struggle. For many people, taking medication can be difficult, stressful, and even frightening.

We excited to share our new interactive PILL-5 screening tool!

🩺 The PILL-5 is a clinically validated, 5-item questionnaire designed to help measure the severity of pill-swallowing difficulties.

✅ Quick and easy to complete
✅ Interactive and accessible online
✅ Helps identify the impact of pill-swallowing difficulties
✅ A useful resource for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals

🔗 Try the free interactive tool today:
https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/pill-5-basic/

10/22/2026

🆕 UPDATED RESOURCE: The Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10)

Do you or someone you care for experience difficulty swallowing?

We pleased to share an updated, interactive version of the EAT-10, a validated screening tool designed to help individuals recognize the severity of potential swallowing concerns and take the next step toward discussing them with a healthcare professional.

🔗 Explore the resource: https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/eat-10/

10/21/2026

📱 Updated Resource: Swallowing Apps for Patients & Clinicians

We have updated our Swallowing Apps resource page with the latest information on apps for people living with dysphagia, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

Whether you're looking for educational resources, swallowing exercise support, or tools to help manage dysphagia, explore our updated list.

🔗 Explore the resource: https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/swallowing-applications-for-patients-and-clinicians/

See one that we missed? Let us know!

Mobile apps and digital tools can help people with swallowing disorders access ...

10/20/2026

NEW ARTICLE: Head and Neck Lymphedema

Head and neck lymphedema can affect much more than appearance. It may contribute to swelling, discomfort, and difficulties with swallowing, speaking, and neck movement, even when external swelling is minimal.

Our new article explores the signs and symptoms, assessment, and treatment options, including rehabilitation approaches and advanced pneumatic compression devices.

Whether you are a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, learn more about recognizing lymphedema and supporting quality of life after head and neck cancer treatment.

🔗 Read the article: https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/head-and-neck-lymphedema/

10/14/2026

The NFOSD is proud to support this upcoming free *advanced-level* webinar for experienced clinicians from !

Join Advanced Topics in Head and Neck Cancer Rehabilitation to explore rehabilitation strategies and specialized approaches to care for individuals impacted by head and neck cancer.

📅 November 11, 2026 at 12pm ET and 8pm ET
🎟️ Free registration!

👉 Learn more and register: https://tactilemedical.com/event/advanced-topics-in-head-and-neck-cancer-rehabilitation-november-2026/

10/14/2026

The NFOSD is proud to support this upcoming free webinar from Tactile Medical!

Join the "Supportive Care and Rehabilitation for Head and Neck Cancer Survivors" webinar to learn more about supportive care strategies and rehabilitation approaches that can help improve quality of life for head and neck cancer survivors.

Education and awareness are essential to advancing care for individuals living with dysphagia and other challenges following head and neck cancer treatment.

We’re grateful to support opportunities that bring professionals, survivors, and caregivers together to learn and connect!

📅 November 4 at 12 pm ET and 8pm ET
🎟️ Free registration!

👉 Learn more and register: https://tactilemedical.com/event/supportive-care-and-rehabilitation-for-head-and-neck-cancer-survivors-november-2026/

10/14/2026

Are you caring for someone with a swallowing disorder?

Join us tomorrow, Thursday, October 15th for a one-hour virtual meeting to learn from and support other caregivers. This group is moderated by a speech-language pathologist and a licensed mental health therapist who was a caregiver for a spouse with dysphagia.

Learn more and register: https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/caregiver-support-group/

10/12/2026

Keep Eating: A Conversation with Dr. Ianessa Humbert

Join us for an informal, engaging conversation with Dr. Ianessa Humbert about her new book, Keep Eating: Risk, Pleasure, and the Fight to Stay at the Table.

Through patient stories, science, humor, and personal reflection, Dr. Humbert explores the complex realities of eating and swallowing disorders—and the difficult questions that arise when safety, pleasure, independence, and quality of life intersect.

Whether you're an SLP, a student, a person living with dysphagia, a caregiver, or simply interested in swallowing disorders, come join the conversation! There's a place at the table for everyone.

Register (FREE): https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/keep-eating/