Observe or participate in an assessment session (10 points)

Observe an  assessment session. Write a summary of the observation, including the materials and assessment instruments utilized, the findings of the assessment (these can be your informal judgements if necessary) and your reflections about the session.

General guidelines:

• Two pages will likely be sufficient to summarize and reflect on a session
• It is preferred that you observe a diagnostic session for an acquired disorder, however if you choose to observe an adult client with a developmental disorder, please address the following issues:
  • describe how the assessment tools utilized were the same or different from those used for acquired disorders
  • discuss how the observed behaviors were the same or different from those typically seen in acquired disorders, specifically addressing whether the client exhibits deficits like/unlike acquired syndromes (aphasia, right hemisphere deficits, TBI, dementia)

Observe a treatment session (10 points)

Observe an adult treatment session.Your observation must include at least 30 minutes of direct contact time, therefore more than one session may be necessary, depending on the setting. Write a summary of the observation, including the materials and treatment protocols utilized, the performance of the client (these can be your informal judgements if necessary) and your reflections about the session.

General guidelines:

• Two pages will likely be sufficient to summarize and reflect on a session
• It is preferred that you observe a therapy session for an acquired disorder, however if you choose to observe an adult client with a developmental disorder, please address the following issues:
  • describe how the treatment techniques utilized were the same or different from those used for acquired disorders
  • discuss how the observed behaviors were the same or different from those typically seen in acquired disorders, specifically addressing whether the client exhibits deficits like/unlike acquired syndromes (aphasia, right hemisphere deficits, TBI, dementia)

Research a topic on the Dysphagia Listserv Archive (10 points)

An archive of the discussions on the SID 13 Listserv is maintained at www.dysphagia.com. Research a topic of interest and write of summary of the information you gain. Your summary should include

• a brief description of your search strategy (terms you searched under, etc.)
• a summary of the information you found
• a critical review of the information (review the evidence that the information is sound)
• a reference listing of the listserv submissions consulted in your review

Interview (10 points)

Interview an individual and/or family who have  participated in therapy for an adult language disorder.  Focus on their impressions of what the goals of therapy were and whether they were appropriate, and if they felt the goals were met. Ask about modifications they have made to their lifestyle to accommodate a new disability or a person with a disability. Write a summary of the interview and include any insights you gained through the process.

Develop an inservice (10 points)

Develop a video inservice for health care personnel.  The content should relate to identifying or managing neurogenic communication or swallowing disorders and may target any number of audiences, including:

• staff nurses
• dietary staff
• medical students or residents
• home health aides
• others

Include a handout and self-quiz for participants.