National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders

02/16/2026

Learn more about dysphagia from an expert, a patient, and a caregiver:

In this video, you’ll learn about dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), how speech-language pathologists assess swallowing using videofluoroscopic swallowing st...

02/12/2026

You are invited to join the Canadian Dysphagia Support Group on February 25! Open to all Canadians with dysphagia and their loved ones.

More info:

https://tinyurl.com/DysphagiasupportFeb2026
mcmaster

01/14/2026

🚀 Meet the Maker: Progia Medical

Curious about innovative tools for dysphagia therapy? Join us Feb 26 at 3 pm ET to learn about the Progia STS™ — a personalized, tech-forward system designed to strengthen swallowing muscles and support better outcomes.

📅 Thu, Feb 26 • ⏰ 3:00 pm ET • 🕐 1 hour 💸 FREE

🎓 No ASHA CEUs (Certificate of participation provided)

👉 Register now: https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/meet-the-maker-progia-medical/

01/12/2026

Join a free, virtual Swallowing Support Group hosted in collaboration with Boston University.

This monthly Zoom-based group offers a supportive space to connect with others who understand the daily challenges of dysphagia, share experiences, and learn practical tips and strategies. Meetings are moderated by a board-certified swallowing specialist and co-facilitated by Boston University speech-language pathology graduate students, with expert guest speakers featured throughout the year.

🕛 Meeting time: 12:00–1:00 pm ET
💻 Format: Virtual (Zoom)
👥 Who can attend: Adults (18+) with dysphagia and their caregivers/family members in Massachusetts.

To receive the Zoom link or learn more, contact Kelly Hansen, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S at kehansen@bu.edu

💙 Support, connection, and community—no cost to attend.

01/09/2026

This powerful documentary explores the groundbreaking Salivary Trial a pioneering research project aiming to restore natural saliva production for patients affected by head and neck cancer treatment.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH3TVc3KA5s

Featuring honest and moving patient stories alongside insights from leading health professionals, this film captures the real impact of dry mouth (xerostomia) after radiotherapy and the hope that new science brings for recovery, dignity, and quality of life.

💬 Hear from those directly involved patients, clinicians, and researchers as they share their experiences, challenges, and vision for the future of salivary gland regeneration.

📍 Produced by The Swallows Head & Neck Cancer Charity, this film shines a light on innovation, compassion, and the power of patient-led research.

MeriaGTX: The Salivary Trial – A Journey of Hope and InnovationThis powerful documentary explores the groundbreaking Salivary Trial a pioneering research pro...

01/08/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of longtime NFOSD community member, Stephen Clark. Stephen generously shared his journey of surviving head and neck cancer to help others feel less alone, and his strength and kindness left a lasting impact on our community.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Stephen’s legacy will continue to inspire all who walk a similar path.

Read more about Stephen’s life and impact: https://swallowingdisorderfoundation.com/stephen-clark/

01/07/2026

Tired of confusing questions about implementation? Ready to arm yourself with better ways to advocate for the IDDSI framework across the continuum of care?

Join IDDSI experts virtually throughout 2026 as they demystify all things IDDSI. Get clear answers to your most frequently asked questions and ensure safer, more consistent care for your patients and loved ones across the lifespan.

Dates:
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 @ 12pm EST
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 @ 12pm EST
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 @ 12pm EST
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 @ 12pm EST
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 @ 12 pm EST
Wednesday, June 3, 2026 @ 12pm EST
Conference Details

Register for the entire 6-session series, covering full IDDSI implementation, for $75 USD.

Sessions will be provided via Zoom platform (links will be shared after registration and ahead of meetings).

Recordings will be available for 30 days after each session.

Register: https://www.iddsi.org/events/2026-us-iddsi-virtual-conference-6-part-webinar-series

01/07/2026

📣 UPDATE: Now open to anyone in the United States!

Paid Research Opportunity for Parents

Design Science is conducting an in-person paid feedback/usability study for parents of children under 18 who have difficulty swallowing. The study focuses on gathering input on a new product related to oral medication.

🕒 Time commitment: 90 minutes
💵 Compensation: $175
📍 Location: United States

This study is for adults only—children will not participate.

Interested individuals can review the attached flyer and sign up using the link provided. After registering, the Design Science team will review submissions, confirm eligibility, and schedule sessions directly with participants.

👉 Sharing opportunities like this helps ensure the patient and caregiver voice is included in product development.

01/07/2026

🇨🇦 Kick off 2026 with connection, join the January Canadian Dysphagia Support Group!

The next free, virtual meeting is happening January 28. This group offers a safe, welcoming space for anyone navigating life with dysphagia, including both patients and caregivers, to connect, share experiences, and receive support. We look forward to seeing you there!

🗓️ January 28, 2026 at 6:30 PM EST

💻 Register: https://tinyurl.com/DysphagiasupportJan2026

Aging Swallow Research Lab

01/06/2026

🇨🇦 Kick off 2026 with connection, join our January Canadian Dysphagia Support Group!

Our next free, virtual meeting is happening later this month. This group offers a safe, welcoming space for anyone navigating life with dysphagia, including both patients and caregivers, to connect, share experiences, and receive support. We look forward to seeing you there!

🗓️ January 28, 2026 at 6:30 PM EST
💻 The Zoom link will be shared via Eventbrite on the day of the meeting.
🔗 Register through the link in our bio!

12/19/2025

As we gather around the table this season, many people with swallowing disorders cannot.

Your year-end gift to the National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders helps bring awareness, support, and hope to those living with dysphagia. Every gift makes a difference. 💙

Give before year’s end ➡️ https://nfosd.networkforgood.com/projects/84367-nfosd-donations

12/18/2025

When Dysphagia Hits Home 💙

NFOSD Medical Advisory Board member Donna Edwards, MA, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, ASHA Fellow, shared her experience as a mother navigating her son’s dysphagia following a stroke and traumatic brain injury in a video to help the NFOSD raise awareness about the impact of dysphagia.

Her story powerfully reminds us that behind every diagnosis is a family, and that compassionate, patient- and family-centered care matters—always.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZuvXK1AY7U