Course Information

LIVE WEBINAR AUGUST 27TH 4-6PM. CAN'T MAKE THE LIVE WEBINAR. NO WORRIES! REGISTER FOR THE RECORDED WEBINAR OFFERED AUGUST 28TH - SEPTEMBER 30TH. LAST DAY TO REGISTER IS SEPTEMBER 30TH. POST-TEST MUST BE COMPETED BY SEPTEMBER 30TH.

Course Description

PLEASE NOTE: Live Webinar takes place in Eastern Time Zone, Recording will be available until 9/30/2024

Speech Pathologists play a critical role in managing dysphagia in the tracheostomized and ventilator dependent patient populations. These patients have an increased prevalence of dysphagia and are typically at much higher risk to develop negative sequelae related dysphagia and aspiration. Understanding the impact tracheostomies and mechanical ventilation have on patient anatomy and swallowing biomechanics is essential in providing quality care and progressing these patients towards their eating and drinking goals. This course provides extensive education on evaluating and treating swallowing in the tracheostomized and ventilator dependent patient populations. Learners will access research highlighting the prevalence of dysphagia, the Impact tracheostomies and mechanical ventilation have on swallow biomechanics, and evidence-based evaluation and treatment tools provided by the SLP. Videos and visual demonstrations will foster a deeper understanding of appropriate swallow interventions and help the learner’s preparedness to address these patient’s swallowing needs.

This course can be taken on it's own or it can be bundled with Live Webinar Mechanical Ventilation and In-Line Speaking Valve Application for a reduced cost. See our course bundles here.

Learning Objectives

  • Summarize research highlighting dysphagia in the tracheostomized and ventilator dependent patient populations.
  • Demonstrate the utility of the clinical swallow evaluation and instrumental swallow studies for tracheostomized and mechanically ventilated patients.
  • Describe evidence-based therapeutic tools and interventions targeting swallowing and ventilator weaning for this patient population.


Time Ordered Agenda

  • 3:00 Prevalence of dysphagia in the trach/vent population and the impact of trach/vent on swallow biomechanics.
  • 3:45 Utility of the clinical swallow eval and the dysphagia imaging, presentation of case studies with video examples from FEES performed for patients who are tracheostomized and mechanically ventilated.
  • 4:15 Special considerations for FEES in trach/vent population, pharyngeal strengthening exercises and respiratory muscle training for trach/vent popluation
  • 5:00 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. One 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. 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, please email [email protected] or call 877-390-1887.


Instructor(s)

  • Candice Devlin and Rory O’Bryan

    Candice Devlin, M.S., CCC-SLP, BCS-S and Rory O’Bryan, M.S., CCC-SLP, BCS-S

    Candice Devlin and Rory O’Bryan

    Candice Devlin, M.S., CCC-SLP, BCS-S is a Senior Speech Pathologist and Board-Certified Specialist in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders at Duke Regional Hospital in Durham, NC. She also serves as a fee basis employee at the Durham VA Medical Center. In her 12 years of practice, her primary areas of interest include dysphagia in the tracheostomy and ventilator dependent patient populations, as well as neurogenic dysphagia. She has been instrumental in developing and bringing Respiratory Muscle Training, In-Line Passy-Muir Valve, and IDDSI programs to Duke Regional Hospital, as well as establishing and leading a multi-disciplinary tracheostomy team. Ms. Devlin earned her Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders from East Carolina University. Outside of work, Candice enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys (ages 5 and 2), live music, and traveling with friends. Rory O’Bryan, M.S., CCC-SLP, BCS-S has worked as medical Speech-Language Pathologists at Duke Regional Hospital in Durham, NC for since 2011, evaluating and treating adults in the acute care and acute rehabilitation settings. She also serves as a fee basis employee at the Durham VA Medical Center. Rory has been instrumental in developing and bringing Respiratory Muscle Training, IDDSI, and the multi-disciplinary tracheostomy team to Duke Regional Hospital. She also currently serves as the student coordinator for graduate student clinicians for her hospital. Ms. O’Bryan earned her Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders from University of North Carolina. Outside of work, Rory enjoys spending time with her family, exercising outdoors, and traveling with friends. Disclosures: Ms. Devlin and Ms. O’Bryan have the following financial relationships: they are paid employees of Duke Regional Hospital and receive payment for this webinar from Carolina Speech Pathology, LLC. Ms. Devlin and Ms. O’Bryan have no non-financial relationships to disclose.