National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders

09/04/2026

With heavy hearts, we share the heartbreaking news of the unexpected passing of Danny Voyes, 35, a beloved member of the NFOSD community.

He was a passionate advocate for people living with dysphagia—himself included.

Danny was a familiar and cherished face in our virtual support group, attended nearly every NFOSD webinar, and enthusiastically helped raise awareness during Dysphagia Awareness Month.

But the contribution he and his family were most proud of was his participation as a patient panelist at the FDA’s Dysphagia Patient-Focused Drug Development meeting last summer, where he courageously shared his lived experience to help shape the future of dysphagia research and treatment.

We are incredibly grateful that he chose to share his journey with our community. We will miss his presence, his dedication, and his unwavering commitment to making life better for people with dysphagia.

Our deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His advocacy will be part of his lasting legacy. Rest easy, Danny 💙

09/03/2026

🔬 RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: SLPs Caring for Individuals with ALS

A research team is seeking speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to participate in a novel implementation science study focused on swallowing care for individuals living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The study aims to better understand:
• How SLPs make decisions about dysphagia assessment in ALS
• Factors that influence diet texture modification recommendations
• How clinical decision-making can be supported to promote more consistent, evidence-based, and equitable swallowing care

What does participation involve?

📋 Part 1 (~60 minutes): Participants will review 10 ALS patient case studies, which may include videofluoroscopic imaging, and make diet texture recommendations based on the information provided.

📝 Part 2 (~20 minutes): After completing Part 1, participants will receive a link to answer questions about the factors that influence their assessment and management of ALS-related dysphagia.

Participant benefits:
🎓 Complimentary access to a professional development course offering 0.6 CEUs through the MGH Institute of Health Professions
🎁 Entry into a randomized drawing for one of two $50 gift cards

SLPs interested in contributing to research that may help improve swallowing care for people living with ALS can begin with Part 1 here:
https://redcap.partners.org/redcap/surveys/?s=YL9TNWAP4E9MDHWL

For questions or additional information, contact Principal Investigator Dr. Bridget J. Perry at [email protected].

NFOSD is sharing this opportunity to help connect researchers with clinicians whose experience can contribute to the future of evidence-based dysphagia care.

08/21/2026

Dysphagia Education Opportunity! 👏

The NFOSD is proud to support Mayo Clinic’s Dysphagia Evaluation and Treatment: A Multidisciplinary Model conference, taking place October 9–10, 2026!

Designed for healthcare professionals involved in the management of people with dysphagia, this conference offers the opportunity to learn from experts across disciplines and explore current approaches to dysphagia evaluation and treatment.

📍 Attend LIVE at Mayo Clinic or join via LIVESTREAM from anywhere!

📅 October 9–10, 2026
🔗 Learn more & register: https://ce.mayo.edu/neurology-and-neurologic-surgery/content/dysphagia-evaluation-and-treatment-multidisciplinary-model-2026

08/20/2026

Join us this afternoon! 2pm Pacific | 5pm Eastern

Caregiver Support Group - a dedicated space for caregivers to connect, share experiences, and learn from others who understand the unique journey of supporting a loved one with swallowing difficulties.

Caring for someone with dysphagia can be rewarding—but also challenging, emotional, and ...

08/18/2026

You don’t have to navigate this alone.

The NFOSD is proud to support a growing network of affiliated support groups for people living with dysphagia and their loved ones.

These groups offer a place to connect with others who understand the day-to-day challenges of swallowing disorders, share experiences and practical tips, ask questions, and find encouragement.

With more than two dozen local chapters, there may be a dysphagia support group near you—or a virtual option that makes connecting from home possible.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with dysphagia for years, you’re part of a community that understands.

August 20 | Virtual Caregiver Support Group: https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/caregiver-support-group/

Local Chapters: https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/support-groups/

08/17/2026

🎉 Big news for swallowing disorder research! 🫁 🦷

A major new grant at the University of Wisconsin–Madison will investigate how oral health and aspiration work together to influence pneumonia risk—an important area of research impacting people living with dysphagia.

Research like this helps us better understand the connection between swallowing, aspiration, oral health, and respiratory health—and could ultimately lead to better prevention and care.

We’re excited to see this important work moving forward! 👏

🔗 Read more: https://emed.wisc.edu/news/new-grant-will-examine-synergy-of-oral-health-and-aspiration-in-pneumonia-risk/

08/14/2026

🎟️ Want to attend Dysphagia Cafe’s virtual symposium for HALF the price?

NFOSD is excited to be a sponsor of Dysphagia Cafe’s virtual symposium: “When the Algorithm Breaks” — a day focused on navigating the complexities of dysphagia management when clinical decision-making doesn’t fit neatly into an algorithm with expert speakers!

And we’re giving one lucky SLP a chance to attend for 50% off! 🎉

👉 To enter: Comment below by Sunday, August 16 and tell us why you’re interested in attending the symposium.

Don't like giveaways? Register for full price: https://dysphagiacafe.com/event/the-2026-dysphagia-cafe-virtual-symposium-10-10-2026/

08/11/2026

🔬 Research Opportunity for SLPs!

Are you a speech-language pathologist who works with infants and performs videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS)?

Researchers at Northwestern University are seeking SLPs to participate in a survey about current VFSS practices with infant populations, including administration, documentation, site policies, barriers, and facilitators.

Who can participate?
• SLPs residing in the United States
• Work with infant populations
• Perform VFSS

⏱️ Survey participation is voluntary and unpaid.

The study has been approved by the Northwestern University Institutional Review Board (Study ID: STU00225595).

👉 If you meet the criteria, please consider participating—and share with other eligible SLPs!

📧 Questions? Contact Zoë Kiemel at [email protected]

08/11/2026

The NFOSD is sharing two free educational opportunities for SLPs offered through Gap Education:

#1: Office Hours with Dr. Michael Crary

Date / Time: Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 7 PM Eastern / 4 PM Pacific

Link: https://www.swallowthegap.com/mentorship-hour-crary826

Bring your clinical questions and challenging cases to this live, interactive office hours session with Dr. Michael Crary, where you'll have the opportunity to discuss real patients and learn alongside colleagues.

#2: An SLP Guide to Using Information from Brain Imaging for the Management of Stroke Dysphagia with Dr. Janina Wilmskoetter

Date / Time: Thursday, August 27th, 2026 at 8 PM Eastern / 5 PM Pacific

Link: https://www.swallowthegap.com/brain-imaging-stroke-dysphagia

Join Dr. Janina Wilmskoetter as she explains how brain imaging findings can help inform dysphagia management after stroke, followed by live audience Q&A.

08/10/2026

NFOSD Virtual Swallowing Support Group — This Friday!

Living with dysphagia can feel isolating—but you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Join us this Friday for a welcoming space to connect, share experiences, ask questions, and find support.

👥 Open to adults living with dysphagia and their loved ones
🇺🇸 Participants must be located in the United States
💻 Virtual & free to attend

Learn more and join us: https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/nfosd-virtual-swallowing-support-group/