You asked... We listened!

In a recent customer needs survey conducted by TalkTools, we learned that many of you are interested in learning about pediatric dysphagia.

Until now, our dysphagia workshop, instructed by Colette Ellis, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, BCS-S, has focused on the older child through geriatric population. After a thorough restructuring, our dysphagia workshop will now focus on pediatric dysphagia, while still addressing the adult population.

The new workshop is entitled Pediatric and Adult Dysphagia: What's Your "Swallowology?" It is a live, two-day workshop.

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Hello TalkTools Family,

We would like to thank you!

With your support, TalkTools has a team going to Roatan Honduras to give back next week -- and we couldn't do it without you.

We are really excited to be heading to Cattleya School in a couple of days with Monica Purdy, MA, CCC-SLP; Colette Ellis, M.Ed., CCC-SLP, BCS-S; Tara Ellis, MS CF-SLP; and Kerry Tichi, MS, CCC-SLP for our special therapy mission trip!

Kerry has been at the forefront of making this effort a reality, and the TalkTools Team is humbled to be a part of it all. Kerry lived in Roatan for years helping the community - and right off the bat started working with families with disabilities, particularly with Cattleya School -- an established NGO (non-government owned) school in Roatan, Honduras whose mission is to advocate for those with disabilities on the Bay Islands of Honduras. We also want to mention how important Cattleya School has been in this effort and we are grateful. Now we're returning with a group of amazing therapists to continue -- and expand upon -- our initial outreach.

We'll be in Roatan for about a week and I'll be sharing updates and pics on Facebook -- stay tuned!

Luke Blessinger
TalkTools President

P.S.  It has been very difficult start of the school year with the devastation caused by hurricanes and other natural disasters, particularly in the Caribbean region.  While our TalkTools Therapy Mission trip is incredibly important to the children of Roatan and our partner Cattleya, our thoughts and prayers are with our friends and partners working to recover from these huge events.  

Pictures & Updates here >>

We are excited to present TalkTools live webinar offering 2.0! We introduced speech & feeding live webinars in May 2017, starting with subjects like Oral Placement Therapy, Feeding, Autism and Apraxia, reflecting TalkTools most popular courses in other Continuing Education options (live workshops and self study). We now have new courses that are offered exclusively as live webinars, in a shorter format, more affordable, addressing different audiences, and always based on the latest research conducted by TalkTools presenters themselves. Here's what's new:

• Dysphagia: Aspiration & Oral Care (0.3 CEUs) with Colette Ellis M.Ed., CCC-SLP, BCS-S

This three-hour webinar looked at current statistics and information on dysphagia. Discussion included a sensory-motor approach for evaluation and therapy for individuals with dysphagia, and targeted prevention and treatment of aspiration and aspiration pneumonia. 

• SPD: Becoming an advocate for your child (no CEUs) with Monica Purdy, MA, CCC-SLP & Michele Gianetti, RN

Next date: Saturday, September 16, 2017

This one-hour free webinar is offered to parents to help them overcome the difficulties of back-to-school with a special needs child and prepare them for IEP meetings. Monica & Michele will help parents know the signs of SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder), get a proper diagnosis for their child, and develop a holistic plan that includes the entire team involved in their child's life.

• OPT for TBI Clients (0.2 CEUs) with Renee Roy Hill, MS, CCC-SLP

Next date: Tuesday, September 26, 2017

This two-hour webinar will be discussing how OPT (Oral Placement Therapy) can be highly effective when working with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) clients. Renee includes real-life examples and scenarios, allowing participants to see firsthand how the quality of life for these individuals has improved through integration of OPT as part of a holistic therapeutic approach.

• Feeding Disorders in Schools: Ethics and Remediation (0.2 CEUs) with Robyn Merkel Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP

Next date: Friday, October 13, 2017

This two-hour webinar will focus on ethics and service delivery models for feeding disorders in the school based setting. Robyn, who has served in the NJ public schools for the past 23 years as a full time employee and independent feeding consultant, will provide an overview of the medical and functional etiologies of feeding disorders in school-aged children. She will describe how a multidisciplinary team can be a beneficial part of an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP).

• Insider's Guide to Straw Hierarchy (0.2 CEUs) with Renee Roy Hill, MS, CCC-SLP

Next date: Tuesday, December 5, 2017

This two-hour webinar will cover what the straw kit instructions don't tell you! Renee will provide in-depth information on incorporating the TalkTools Straw Hierarchy as part of your OPT techniques in your everyday practice. She will demonstrate best practices and hands-on demonstrations that she utilizes in her therapy practice.

Still in the making - stay tuned!:

• TOTs (Tethered Oral Tissues)
• Another course on Sensory Processing Disorder
• Swallowing studies
• Orthodontics and OPT
• OPT for clients in palliative care

Who's excited? 😁😁😁

Who's excited for the annual American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention next week? The convention is happening November 17-19 in Philadelphia, PA. We are ready to blow your mind both at presentations and at booth #423 and serve you the best we can!

At the booth, you will be able to view and handle all TalkTools' signature products, such as the Horn Kit, the Straw Kit, the Honey Bear, the Bite Blocks and more. Any order placed at the Convention will receive a 20% OFF discount and FREE shipping (most orders will even be fulfilled right there)!!!

Anyone visiting the booth can be entered for our raffle featuring Introduction to OPT Kits ($195 value), Online Courses ($30 to $220 value), Amazon gift cards ($250 value) and more! Just come and have your badge scanned. There will also be free bracelets, pens, chocolate and more for everyone ;) And you will be able to be photographed dressed as a super hero  at our super cool photo station to celebrate your successes in speech & feeding therapy.

Another reason to stop by our booth is to chat with TalkTools experts! Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT, Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP, Monica Purdy, MA, CCC-SLP & Colette Ellis, M.ED., CCC-BCS-S will be on hand to answer your therapy questions and discuss your Continuing Education opportunities.

TalkTools is scheduled for two presentations that you don't want to miss, Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning.

"Diet-Shaping for Self–Limited Diets in Children With a Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder"

Session Code: 1205 Thursday, November 17, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center Room: Terrace Ballroom IV Presenters: Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP & Lori Overland, MS, CCC-SLP, C/NDT Instructional Level: Intermediate Abstract Type: Professional Education Speech-Language Pathology Topic Area: Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders

Abstract: Presentation explores 1) the etiology of self-limited diets in autism; 2) the sensory-motor system as it relates to feeding; 3) sensory processing and how it affects the diet; 4) the importance of establishing home–base when conducting a feeding program and 4) diet–shaping based on a sensory-motor approach to feeding.

Learner Outcomes: 1. Improved understanding of the etiology of a self-limited diet 2. Demonstrate understanding of a home-based diet 3. Comprehend the concept of diet-shaping

"Careful Hand Feeding or Comfort Feeding Evaluations: Techniques in Palliative Dysphagia Management"

Session Code: 1689 Saturday, November 19, 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center Room: 204A Presenter: Colette Ellis, M.ED., CCC-BCS-S Instructional Level: Intermediate Abstract Type: Professional Education Speech-Language Pathology Topic Area: Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders

Abstract: Review the speech-language pathologist’s role of traditional dysphagia management versus palliative and end of life care. Review primary and secondary recommendations made when there is known risk of aspiration. Address ethical questions SLPs face regarding dysphagia management. Instructing professionals or caregivers in careful hand feeding techniques will be introduced.

Learner Outcomes: 1. Describe the difference between traditional speech pathology services and those available during palliative care 2. Demonstrate the consultant role, service and communication needed during palliative care 3. Apply sensory motor techniques which can facilitate ‘careful hand-feeding’ if this is an option chosen by the patient with severe feeding difficulties and dysphagia

See you in Philadelphia!