Training & Education

Practical training for safer swallowing, communication &

mealtime support

Access Allied Health & Training provides practical, evidence-informed training for organisations, support teams, families and carers who work with adults with swallowing, communication and complex support needs.

Training is designed to be clear, functional and relevant to everyday care. Sessions can be tailored for disability services, aged care, community support teams and health-related organisations.

Dysphagia Training

Swallowing difficulties, also known as dysphagia, can increase a person’s risk of choking, aspiration, chest infections, poor nutrition, dehydration and reduced quality of life.

Dysphagia training helps staff and carers feel more confident when supporting people who have swallowing difficulties or require a Mealtime Management Plan.

Training may include:

Understanding dysphagia and aspiration risk
Recognising signs of swallowing difficulty
Safe mealtime positioning
Supporting texture modified food and fluids
Understanding IDDSI recommendations
Following Mealtime Management Plans
Responding to coughing, choking or changes during meals
Supporting dignity, choice and quality of life at mealtimes

Training can be provided as a short education session, team training, or as part of broader dysphagia and mealtime support consultation.

Mealtime Support & IDDSI Education

Many people who require swallowing support also need consistency across their care team. Karen provides education around the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative, known as IDDSI, to help teams understand texture-modified foods, thickened fluids and safer mealtime practices. The goal is to make recommendations easier to understand and apply in real-life settings.

Intentional Voices

Intentional Voices is a supportive communication group designed for adults with neurological conditions who have completed programs such as SPEAK OUT!® or LSVT LOUD®. The group focuses on maintaining voice, speech clarity, conversational confidence and intentional communication through practical, real-world interaction in a relaxed and encouraging environment. Sessions may include conversation activities, vocal practice, functional communication tasks and social connection to help participants continue using their communication skills with confidence in everyday life. Held once a month on Fridays. Contact us for more information.

Intellectual Disability: Kitchen Conversations

Access Allied Health & Training is also exploring a practical education program for adults with intellectual disability called Kitchen Conversations.

This program is being developed to support communication, independence and everyday life skills through meaningful kitchen-based activities.

Kitchen Conversations may include:

Functional communication during food preparation
Following simple steps and routines
Making choices and expressing preferences
Social conversation and turn-taking
Food safety and mealtime awareness
Building confidence in everyday communication
Supporting independence in a practical, enjoyable way

This program is not yet a fixed service and may be offered in partnership with suitable community venues, disability organisations or support providers.

Training That Fits Your Team

Training can be adapted to suit your organisation’s needs, including:

Aged care teams
Disability support workers
Supported independent living homes
Day programs
Community support organisations
Families and carers
Health and allied health teams

Sessions can be delivered in Launceston or by telehealth where appropriate.

Enquire About Training

If your team supports adults with swallowing difficulties, neurological conditions, intellectual disability or complex mealtime needs, tailored training may help improve confidence, safety and quality of care.

Contact Karen to discuss training options for your team.

Access Allied Health & Training
Launceston, Tasmania
Mobile: 0400 836 254
Website: www.accessalliedhealth.net.au

Training Questions