title: Development of an Interdisciplinary Dysphagia Team in the Public Schools.
abstract: This article describes the development of a school-based dysphagia team (swallowing action team [SWAT]) within the St. Tammany Parish School System located in Covington, Louisiana. The team's vision was to ensure safe nutrition and hydration for students at risk for swallowing dysfunction during school hours. This article addresses how the team was initially formed, the process of identifying students who were exhibiting a swallowing disorder, steps taken for staff development, and problems encountered in seeking administrative approval. The current status of the dysphagia program, as well as future plans for further implementation, are also presented.
authors.affiliation: St. Tammany Parish Schools, Covington, LA.
authors.forename: Emily M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Homer
authors.affiliation: St. Tammany Parish Schools, Covington, LA.
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bickerton
authors.affiliation: St. Tammany Parish Schools, Covington, LA.
authors.forename: Sherry
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.affiliation: St. Tammany Parish Schools, Covington, LA.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Parham
authors.affiliation: St. Tammany Parish Schools, Covington, LA.
authors.forename: Darlene
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Taylor