Course Information

LIVE WEBINAR IS 6/17/25, 6-8PM EST. CAN'T MAKE THE LIVE WEBINAR. NO WORRIES! REGISTER FOR THE RECORDED WEBINAR OFFERED 6/18-6/30. LAST DAY TO REGISTER IS 6/30/25. POST-TEST MUST BE COMPETED BY 6/30/25.

Course Cost

$50

*All course proceeds will be distributed to Dysphagia Outreach Project

Course Description

Eating and swallowing are deeply embedded in the lived experiences of our patients, shaped by social determinants such as income, access to nutritious food, and availability of healthcare services. For individuals in resource-limited environments, these factors create substantial barriers to addressing eating and swallowing-related care needs. Despite their significance, these lived experiences have historically been underrepresented in dysphagia research and clinical practice, limiting the field’s capacity to provide equitable and socially responsive care.

This session introduces the concept of the social exposome—life course exposures influencing health—and its relevance to dysphagia management. Using a socioecological framework, we will examine how social and structural determinants intersect to create eating and swallowing care disparities. The session will highlight areas where health inequities can arise across the eating and swallowing care continuum. We will also discuss the resources and systemic changes needed to cultivate a socioecological-conscious culture in dysphagia care. By reimagining swallowing care through this lens, we can work toward a future where dysphagia management is better aligned with the realities of our patients’ lives.

This informational webinar also showcases the impactful work of Dysphagia Outreach Project, (DOP) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing meaningful assistance to low-income individuals with swallowing disorders across their lifespan. This session will introduce the mission, explain how individuals and healthcare providers can access support through our services, and highlight groundbreaking research projects DOP proudly supports. Additionally, the financial impact of DOP’s initiatives will be explored, illustrating how donations and partnerships make a tangible difference in the lives of those DOP serves. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, caregiver, or advocate, this webinar will inspire and inform as we work together to create a future where no one must struggle alone with dysphagia.

*This course meets ASHA’s DEI Requirements.


Learning Outcomes

·      Identify multilevel health disparities that may pose barriers to swallowing care.

·      List two ways to access resources such as the Dysphagia Food Bank, as well as how to assist others in connecting with these supports.  

·      Describe two ways that the organization's financial resources are allocated to provide life-changing support and reduce disparities in dysphagia care


Time Ordered Agenda


6:00 Welcome, Intro, Housekeeping 

6:05: Background and Introduction to the Concept of Social Exposome 

6:25: Applying a Socioecological Lens to Swallowing Care 

6:45: The Role of SLPs in Providing Socially Responsive Swallowing Care 

7:05: Intro to Dysphagia Outreach Project (DOP) 

7:15: Accessing Support Through DOP 

7:25: Current DOP Research Projects 

7:40: Financial Impact of Dysphagia Outreach Project 

7:50 Q and A

8:00: Adjourn


Joining the Webinar

You will find information on how to join and complete this live webinar and webinar recording  in the course portal located on our Thinkific dashboard once you complete the course registration. On the day of the webinar please log in approximately 10 minutes before the start time to ensure you do not have any technical challenges.

Webinar Notice

Successful participation in this course includes completion of the post-test with a score of 80% or higher, then participants will automatically receive a course completion certificate.  

This course is offered for 2.0 Professional Development Hours and meets ASHA’s DEI Requirements.. We can report your participation to ASHA if you choose for 0.2 ASHA CEUs, just be sure to include your ASHA number when you register. If you do not want your participation reported to ASHA, you have the option to decline on the course registration page. 

Refund Policy

There are no refunds for this course, as it is offered both live and as a recording for a limited time.

If you have any questions or concerns please email [email protected] or call 877-390-1887.


The Mission of Dysphagia Outreach Project is to provide meaningful assistance to low-income individuals across the lifespan who are affected by dysphagia.


Sponsors:





Thanks to TIMS Medical for financial and in-kind support.

Thanks to Dysphagia Cafe for in-kind support. 

Instructor(s)

PhD, CCC-SLP Raele Donetha Loy

Dr. Raele Donetha Loy is a Speech-Language Pathologist and postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Health Disparities Research (CHDR) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Under the mentorship of CHDR Director Dr. Amy Kind and Deputy Director Dr. Nicole Rogus-Pulia, Dr. Loy is dedicated to improving socioculturally concordant swallowing care by understanding the lived experiences of persons with dysphagia. She has received multiple NIH grants, including a K00 award supporting postdoctoral research on swallowing function and frailty. In her new role as a research scientist for CHDR, Dr. Loy seeks to improve eating and swallowing care for underserved populations in Milwaukee and Madison. Financial Disclosures: Salaried Employee - University of Wisconsin-Madison, Grant Support - National Institute on Aging Nonfinancial Disclosures: Co-chair, Clinician Scientists Transdisciplinary Aging Research Coordinating Center (Clin-STAR) Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility SIG

M.A., CCC-SLP Hillary Cooper

Hillary Cooper is a philanthropist, advocate, educator, and self-proclaimed dysphagia geek. She currently runs North Louisiana Swallow Solutions, providing mobile FEES across North Louisiana and South Arkansas. She co-founded Dysphagia Outreach Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to provide meaningful assistance to people financially impacted by dysphagia. She is a Louisiana Speech-Language Hearing Association (LSHA) Past President and the current Council of State Association Presidents (CSAP) Treasurer. Hillary is pursuing an Ed.D. in Learning and Organizational Change at Baylor University. She frequently travels around the country, raising awareness for Dysphagia Outreach Project while providing lectures and facilitating interactive lab experiences about various dysphagia supplies and the best practices associated with their use. Financial Disclosures: Owner, North Louisiana Swallow Solutions (receives salary, ownership interest) Nonfinancial Disclosures: President & Co-founder, Dysphagia Outreach Project, Past President of Louisiana Speech-Language Hearing Association (LSHA), 2024-2026 Treasurer for Council for State Association Presidents (CSAP), Doctoral student, Baylor University