Episode 9: Advocacy for Dysphagia

07/01/21 • 63 min

Guests: Jessica Conn and Hilary Cooper - One of our favorite topics is the SLP’s role in advocacy, and today we are joined by some of the fiercest advocates around. Jessica Conn is a Visiting Clinical Instructor at Stephen F. Austin State University, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate coursework, including dysphagia and neurogenic communication disorders. She also owns East Texas Swallow Diagnostics, a mobile FEES company serving the broader East Texas area. She is currently the Director of University Relations for the Dysphagia Outreach Project as well. Hilary Cooper, our second guest, is a self-proclaimed dysphagia nerd who has extensive experience with pediatrics and adults in a variety of settings. She owns North Louisiana Swallow Solutions, a mobile FEES company, and is the President and CEO of the Dysphagia Outreach Project. In today's episode, after hearing about how Jessica and Hilary became SLPs, we dive into advocacy. We talk about how it differs from education, the importance of getting involved at state and national levels, and why advocacy needs to be a part of curriculums. We also get into some specific ways that you, as an SLP, can advocate for your patients and their families, who are constantly faced with the injustice and systemic inequality in our healthcare system. To hear more from these inspiring women, tune in today!

Previous Episode

Episode 8: Aerodigestive Tract Disorders

Guest: Dr. Raquel Garcia - As SLPs, it is so important that we maintain a spirit of continual learning, and today's guest, Dr. Raquel Garcia, is an exemplary example of a life-long learner. She is a trained craniofacial speech-language pathologist and works at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, where she is a core member of the craniofacial team. Raquel works in the acute care setting in the neonatal
intensive care unit and pediatric cardiac intensive care unit. In this episode, Raquel talks about
her journey to becoming an SLP and how she found her current niche. We dive into a range of
infant airway disorders, where Raquel thoroughly guides us through what we should be looking
out for. While it may appear overwhelming, Raquel is gifted at explaining complicated concepts
in a digestible, accessible manner. Our conversation also touches on the importance of
authentically connecting with other practitioners, the power of remembering our why, and
understanding the key role that the community SLP plays in helping patients and their families
overcome their difficulties. Raquel's passion for her craft is truly inspiring, so tune in to hear it
all!

Next Episode

School of Speech - Tension to Triumph: Practical Solutions for the School-Based SLP with Dr. Marie Ireland

Guest: Marie Ireland, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Tension-to-Triumph-Practical-solutions-for-the-schoolbased-S

In this episode of School of Speech, host Carolyn Dolby brings on the distinguished Dr. Marie Ireland to discuss the nine major tensions faced by school-based Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs). Dr. Ireland shares her extensive journey from a school-based SLP to earning her PhD and provides valuable insights into navigating challenges in the field. The episode delves into the importance of understanding the law (IDEA), the need for accurate documentation of educational impact, and how to effectively collaborate with general education through strategies like MTSS and RTI. Additionally, Dr. Ireland emphasizes the significance of advocating for oneself and professional expertise without apology. This episode is packed with practical strategies and solutions that will leave you feeling informed and empowered.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

01:01 Guest Introduction: Dr. Marie Ireland

01:06 Dr. Ireland's Journey in Speech-Language Pathology

01:56 The Impact of Research and Collaboration

04:00 Understanding CHAT: Cultural and Historical Activity Theory

07:09 Exploring the Nine Major Tensions

11:58 Balancing Help and Legal Requirements

14:48 The Role of SLPs in Schools vs. Private Practice

17:52 Advocacy and Professional Identity

23:13 Addressing Cultural and Linguistic Diversity

26:37 Understanding Disabilities vs. Differences

27:32 Empowering SLPs: Advocacy and Conflict Resolution

33:22 The Importance of Data and Legal Knowledge

36:11 Building Relationships with General Education

50:52 Concluding Thoughts and Next Steps

About the Guest: Marie Ireland, PhD, CCC-SLP, BCS-CL is a Board-Certified Specialist in Child Language (BCS-CL). She has served as ASHA’s Vice President of SLP Practice (2018-2020) and on the executive board of the State Education Agencies Communication Disabilities Council. Her areas of interest include child language, evidence-based assessment, and dynamic assessment. She received an editor’s award in 2013 and 2021 for articles on evidence-based practice in the schools and has published works on SLP practice in the schools.

School of Speech is now on YouTube! - https://youtu.be/oApbslqaPhQ