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- Rural (57)
- Health and wellness (55)
- Disability (49)
- Secondary conditions (20)
- Health promotion (17)
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- Independent living (12)
- Living Well (8)
- Health care (6)
- Developmental disability (5)
- Mental health (5)
- Environment (4)
- Health self-management (4)
- Peer support (4)
- Prevention (4)
- Impairment (3)
- Screening (3)
- Advocacy (2)
- Chronic illness (2)
- Community participation (2)
- Health behavior (2)
- Managed care (2)
- Nursing home emancipation (2)
- Pain and participation (2)
- Secondary condition (2)
- Self-management (2)
- Chronic conditions (1)
- Critical Access Hospital (1)
- Deinstitionalization (1)
- Deinstitutionalization (1)
- Depression (1)
Articles 31 - 59 of 59
Full-Text Articles in Community Health and Preventive Medicine
One-On-One Delivery Of Living Well With A Disability, Tracy Boehm, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute Rural Institute
One-On-One Delivery Of Living Well With A Disability, Tracy Boehm, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
The RTC: Rural conducted a research project on health management support for rural Americans. The approach used individually-focused programs, one of which included selected content from the Living Well with a Disability (LWD) health promotion program. The project noted that transportation and limited access to group-based programs in rural areas may act as barriers for participation in health promotion programs. Findings suggest the traditional 10- week LWD group-based program is the recommended practice, but a shorter LWD program delivered one-on-one with a consumer may be an option in rural areas.
Pain Interference Patterns, Catherine Ipsen, Tannis Hargrove, University Of Montana Rural Institute
Pain Interference Patterns, Catherine Ipsen, Tannis Hargrove, University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
Advocates for community participation and quality of life issues may benefit from a better understanding of how pain intensity and environmental barriers influence participation outcomes. Unfortunately, little evidence exists on how the interaction between personal factors (e.g., pain) and environmental factors (e.g., physical accessibility) influence participation. To address this gap, we studied Pain Interference Patterns (PIP) by collecting both longitudinal and ecological momentary assessment (EMA or real-time) data to explore these factors and outcomes. Through better understanding of these interactions, we hope to inform interventions, policy, and services that can promote full participation in community life. This fact sheet reports …
Peer Support In Centers For Independent Living: What Do We Know?, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., Bob Liston, University Of Montana Rural Institute
Peer Support In Centers For Independent Living: What Do We Know?, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., Bob Liston, University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
Peer support is ubiquitous.It is defined as a helping relationship between an individual who has experience living under certain conditions assisting another person to cope with and adapt to similar circumstances.It has been gaining in popularity and use since its early adoption in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and has been used widely, and with good effect, with people experiencing a variety of both physical and mental health conditions.
Nursing Home Emancipation: Barriers Reported By Centers For Independent Living, Tom Seekins Ph.D., Marsha Katz, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Nursing Home Emancipation: Barriers Reported By Centers For Independent Living, Tom Seekins Ph.D., Marsha Katz, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
In 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed the right of individuals with disabilities to receive services in "…the most integrated setting." Since then, centers for independent living (CILs) and other disability advocacy organizations have worked to transition adults with disabilities from inappropriate nursing home placements to community living.
Nursing Home Emancipation: Accomplishments Of Urban And Rural Centers For Independent Living, Tom Seekins Ph.D., Marsha Katz, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Nursing Home Emancipation: Accomplishments Of Urban And Rural Centers For Independent Living, Tom Seekins Ph.D., Marsha Katz, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
In 1999, the U.S. Supreme Court established a legal precedent, based on the Americans with Disabilities Act, to help adults with disabilities leave institutional settings and return to community living (Olmstead v. L.C.). This established the right of individuals to receive services in "…the most integrated setting," which is generally the community. Since then, centers for independent living (CILs) and other disability advocacy organizations have initiated a wide range of efforts to emancipate (i.e. transition) adults with disabilities from inappropriate nursing home placements to community living. Nursing home emancipation is high on the priority lists of several national organizations and …
Tele-Health Promotion For Rural People With Disabilities: Toward A Technology Assisted Peer Support Model, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Tele-Health Promotion For Rural People With Disabilities: Toward A Technology Assisted Peer Support Model, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
There are relatively few health promotion programs for people with disabilities who live in rural areas. An exception is Living Well with a Disability, a health promotion program for people with disabilities developed by researchers at the RTC: Rural (Ravesloot & Seekins et al.,1994). The Living Well program was originally designed to be delivered in-person by peer-support staff of Centers for Independent Living (CILs) to groups of participants with disabilities. For many rural people with disabilities, however, the distances and travel difficulties inherent in their environment make onsite group programs impractical or inaccessible. Limited funding for programs such as Living …
Rural Women With Disabilities And Depression, Part One: Characteristics And Treatment Patterns, Rosemary Hughes, University Of Montana Rural Institute
Rural Women With Disabilities And Depression, Part One: Characteristics And Treatment Patterns, Rosemary Hughes, University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
Depression is a common mental health problem in which a person may experience persistent sadness, be unable to enjoy formerly pleasurable activities, and feel worthless or hopeless. Undetected and untreated depression causes substantial physical and social limitation and may lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. More than 80% of people with depression improve with appropriate treatment (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2005).
Physical Activity In A Cohort Of Medicaid Beneficiaries With Physical Impairments: Recruitment And Outcomes, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., James Laskin Ph.D., Melody Huskey M.A., Sara Laney, Nancy Cherot, Huw Griffiths, Barbara Cowan, Lisa Brennan M.L.S., Catherine Ipsen, Sheri Martinez, Ann Szalda-Petree Ph.D., Rod Brod, University Of Montana Rural Institute
Physical Activity In A Cohort Of Medicaid Beneficiaries With Physical Impairments: Recruitment And Outcomes, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., James Laskin Ph.D., Melody Huskey M.A., Sara Laney, Nancy Cherot, Huw Griffiths, Barbara Cowan, Lisa Brennan M.L.S., Catherine Ipsen, Sheri Martinez, Ann Szalda-Petree Ph.D., Rod Brod, University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
This document reports on research conducted by the University of Montana for the Office of Disability and Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The research project, conducted between September 30, 2000 and September 29, 2004 was accomplished in three separate but related studies. The research was conducted at the New Directions programs, a community-based health promotion and wellness clinic operated through the rural Institute on Disabilities at the University of Montana. We collaborated with the State Department of Medicaid to recruit Medicaid beneficiaries with mobility impairments in Missoula County to participate in the research. We recruited 368 …
Living Well And Medicaid: Better Health For Consumers -- Lower Costs For States, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Living Well And Medicaid: Better Health For Consumers -- Lower Costs For States, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
The United States has the world’s most expensive healthcare system. In 2002, health spending rose to nearly 15 percent of U.S. Gross Domestic Product. Healthcare policymakers charged with balancing cost containment with quality healthcare for consumers are desperate for solutions (Levit, Smith, Cowan, Sensenig, and Catlin, 2004).
Pain As A Secondary Condition Experienced Byrural Medicaid Beneficiaries With Disabilities, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Pain As A Secondary Condition Experienced Byrural Medicaid Beneficiaries With Disabilities, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
Secondary conditions are disability-related problems that further limit a person’s ability to engage in daily activities. People who live independently in the community and who have mobility impairments consistently report being limited by 14 secondary conditions annually.
The Prevalence And Treatment Of Pain Among Rural Medicaid Beneficiaries With Disabilities, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
The Prevalence And Treatment Of Pain Among Rural Medicaid Beneficiaries With Disabilities, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
Pain has an enormous impact on the lives of many people with disabilities. Recent research suggests that nearly 80% of people whose primary disability is not a pain disorder are still limited by pain as a secondary condition. As many as half of those people report that their pain is ongoing, intractable and limiting (Ehde, Jensen, Engel, Turner, Hoffman & Cardenas, 2003). Our research suggests strong associations between an individual’s pain and his or her quality of life, depression and the number of hours worked.
Living Well With A Disability: An Update, Tom Seekins Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Living Well With A Disability: An Update, Tom Seekins Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
As many as one of every five Americans has a disability or chronic health condition. In rural areas, that proportion (23%) is even higher. As the U.S. population ages, the numbers of people with disability and chronic conditions will predictably increase, which accounts for a growing national interest in the health and wellness of individuals with disabilities. While composing about 20% of the population, individuals with disabilities account for nearly half of all medical expenditures.
Barriers And Best Practices: Marketing Health Promotion For People With Disabilities, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Barriers And Best Practices: Marketing Health Promotion For People With Disabilities, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
Health promotion for people with disabilities attracts a diverse audience: people with disabilities themselves, policymakers, service providers and others. This Guideline discusses our research on effective strategies for marketing and promoting RTC: Rural’s two health promotion programs: Living Well with a Disability (an eight-week workshop) and the New Directions physical activity program. It also describes the barriers people with disabilities anticipate when they consider participating in a health promotion program. If marketing strategies address these barriers, more people with disabilities may participate in health promotion activities. Secondary conditions are the medical and psycho-social conditions people with disabilities often experience following …
Marketing Health Promotion For People With Disabilities, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Marketing Health Promotion For People With Disabilities, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
Healthy People 2010 is the blueprint for improving the health and well being of all Americans. Its overall focus is to decrease health risks and to increase the proportion of people engaging in healthy behaviors. For the first time, Healthy People includes a chapter on the health of people with disabilities. Chapter Six specifically addresses secondary conditions as a public health concern. Secondary conditions are medical and psycho-social conditions people often experience following the onset of disabilities or chronic illnesses. Our research suggests people with disabilities annually experience 14 secondary conditions that limit their health and independence.
Marketing Health Promotion For People With Disabilities, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Marketing Health Promotion For People With Disabilities, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
Healthy People 2010 is the blueprint for improving the health and well being of all Americans. Its overall focus is to decrease health risks and to increase the proportion of people engaging in healthy behaviors. For the first time, Healthy People includes a chapter on the health of people with disabilities. Chapter Six specifically addresses secondary conditions as a public health concern. Secondary conditions are medical and psycho-social conditions people often experience following the onset of disabilities or chronic illnesses. Our research suggests people with disabilities annually experience 14 secondary conditions that limit their health and independence.
A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Of A Community-Based Health Promotion Intervention For Adults With Mobility Impairments: Living Well With A Disability, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., Tom Seekins Ph.D., Catherine Ipsen M.A., Steve Seninger Ph.D., Colleen Murphy-Southwick Ph.D., Lisa Brennan M.L.S., Rita K. Fjeld M.A., Glen W. White Ph.D., Ann Branstetter Ph.D., Vivian Chapman M.A., Amanda Jay M.A., James A. Bovaird M.A., Janet Marquis Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Of A Community-Based Health Promotion Intervention For Adults With Mobility Impairments: Living Well With A Disability, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., Tom Seekins Ph.D., Catherine Ipsen M.A., Steve Seninger Ph.D., Colleen Murphy-Southwick Ph.D., Lisa Brennan M.L.S., Rita K. Fjeld M.A., Glen W. White Ph.D., Ann Branstetter Ph.D., Vivian Chapman M.A., Amanda Jay M.A., James A. Bovaird M.A., Janet Marquis Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
This document reports on research conducted by the University of Montana and the University of Kansas for the Office of Disability and Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The research project, conducted between August 1,1997 and July 31, 2001, was conducted in four separate but related studies. The research was conducted in eight States. We contracted with nine centers for independent living (CIL) to conduct 34 Living Well with a Disability health promotion workshops and to collect outcome measures. These programs included 246 individuals. In the first study, we evaluated the effectiveness and cost outcomes of the …
Direct Service Staff Turnover In Supported Living Arrangements: Preliminary Results And Observations, Steve Seninger Ph.D., Meg A. Traci Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute Rural Institute
Direct Service Staff Turnover In Supported Living Arrangements: Preliminary Results And Observations, Steve Seninger Ph.D., Meg A. Traci Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
High turnover rates mean that community providers of services to individuals with developmental disabilities may be replacing almost their entire direct service workforces each year. This instability imposes significant costs on each provider for recruiting, screening, and training replacement workers. It also adversely affects the quality of care provided to individuals served by community providers. Although the relationship requires further study, caregiver continuity appears to be an important factor in the health of an individual with developmental disabilities. The following observations are based on completed Corporation Questionnaires from seven Montana developmental disabilities service providers.
Nutrition And Disability, Kathleen Humphries, Meg Traci, Tom Seekins Ph.D., Joyce Brusin, University Of Montana Rural Institute
Nutrition And Disability, Kathleen Humphries, Meg Traci, Tom Seekins Ph.D., Joyce Brusin, University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
A disability often can be complicated by additional medical, psychological, or environmental problems. Under an emerging framework of health promotion for persons with disabilities, these additional health problems are referred to as secondary conditions (Brandt & Pope, 1997; Marge, 1988; Pope & Tarlov, 1991). Until recently, it was common to conceptualize these ailments as symptomatic of the primary disability; however, it is now presumed that because these conditions can be prevented or managed, they are secondary conditions distinct from the primary disability. Although information on secondary conditions experienced by people with developmental disabilities is limited, the literature does contain descriptions …
Health Status Of Adult Montanans In Supported And Semi-Independent Living Arrangements, Meg A. Traci Ph.D., Sarah Geurts B.S., Tom Seekins Ph.D., Rebecca Burke M.S., Kathleen Humphries, Lisa Brennan M.L.S., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health Status Of Adult Montanans In Supported And Semi-Independent Living Arrangements, Meg A. Traci Ph.D., Sarah Geurts B.S., Tom Seekins Ph.D., Rebecca Burke M.S., Kathleen Humphries, Lisa Brennan M.L.S., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
This study reports on the prevalence and severity of secondary conditions in adults with developmental disabilities living in 33 Montana counties. "Secondary conditions" are additional health problems acquired by an individual with a disability. Although the personal, social, and financial costs of these secondary conditions are extraordinarily high, they are frequently preventable. Ten of the top twelve secondary conditions reported by survey respondents involved issues that can be addressed by wellness activities or lifestyle management. In particular, survey ratings of “Communication,” “Weight,” and “Physical Fitness” problems suggest that these areas may contribute to other problems. Efforts to improve communication skills, …
Living Well Could Save $31 Million Annually, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., Catherine Ipsen, Tom Seekins Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Living Well Could Save $31 Million Annually, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., Catherine Ipsen, Tom Seekins Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
Behavior change can improve health status for many adults. Further, for adults with chronic illness and permanent injuries, a growing body of literature identifies health promotion as both effective in improving health and cost-effective compared to treatment alternatives. Yet third-party payers (Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance) typically do not reimburse health promotion interventions. This is a problem for many individuals with disabilities who have significant health care costs and cannot pay for health promotion programs. For more than a decade, the Office on Disability and Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has supported research culminating in the …
Readiness For Health Promotion, Colleen Murphy-Southwick Ph.D., Tom Seekins Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute Rural Institute
Readiness For Health Promotion, Colleen Murphy-Southwick Ph.D., Tom Seekins Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
There is growing interest in health promotion, wellness, and the prevention of secondary conditions among people with disabilities. In rural areas where there is limited access to health care providers knowledgeable about disability, managing one’s own health and wellness and using strategies to prevent secondary conditions may be particularly important (Offner, Seekins & Clark, 1992; Seekins, 1992; Center for Disability Policy and Research, 1995; Seekins, Clay & Ravesloot, 1994; Seekins, et al., 1999).
Rural Managed Care And Disability: A National Perspective, Colleen Murphy-Southwick Ph.D., Tom Seekins Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute Rural Institute
Rural Managed Care And Disability: A National Perspective, Colleen Murphy-Southwick Ph.D., Tom Seekins Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
Rural access to health care has historically been a concern in the United States. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, lower rural reimbursements for the same services provided in urban areas contributed to a substantial decline in the number of rural hospitals and health care providers. Rural Americans with and without disabilities experienced the negative consequences of those changes. The rapid introduction of managed care is producing explosive changes in the marginal, aging, rural medical care services sector. Managed care policies directly affect both access to medical services by people with disabilities and the economic infrastructure of small rural …
Rural Managed Care And Disability: Emerging Issues From Preliminary Interviews And Case Studies, Colleen Murphy-Southwick Ph.D., Tom Seekins Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute Rural Institute
Rural Managed Care And Disability: Emerging Issues From Preliminary Interviews And Case Studies, Colleen Murphy-Southwick Ph.D., Tom Seekins Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
Since the 1980s, rural access to health care information, resources and services has become increasingly problematic. The shift toward managed care complicates the picture. While some argue that managed care will devastate rural health services due to sparsely populated areas’ high costs and low profit margins, others suggest that market forces will make the health care system more efficient and re-distribute resources now concentrated in urban areas toward rural areas. Managed care is penetrating public programs
Attributional Style And Disability Outcome, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., Quincy-Robyn Young, Tom Seekins Ph.D., Ann Szalda-Petree Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Attributional Style And Disability Outcome, Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., Quincy-Robyn Young, Tom Seekins Ph.D., Ann Szalda-Petree Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
Disability is both a very personal and social issue. In 1999, The World Health Organization (WHO) published their latest revisions to the ICIDH-2. This document includes the latest conceptual developments in understanding the structure and process of disabling conditions. The document highlights that disability outcome occurs within a dynamic system characterized by the impairment itself, environmental and personal factors (World Health Organization, 1999).
Turnover Of Personal Assistants And The Incidence Of Injury Among Adults With Developmental Disabilities, Meg A. Traci Ph.D., Ann Szalda-Petree Ph.D., Steve Seninger Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Turnover Of Personal Assistants And The Incidence Of Injury Among Adults With Developmental Disabilities, Meg A. Traci Ph.D., Ann Szalda-Petree Ph.D., Steve Seninger Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
Relatively little is known about the incidence and prevalence of injuries and other secondary conditions experienced by adults with developmental disabilities. Understanding the risk factors for secondary conditions and strategies for their prevention is important to people with disabilities, rehabilitation providers, and public health agencies. Many secondary condition prevention strategies require direct involvement of the individual with a disability. However, the nature of some disabling conditions requires help from an intermediary facilitator, frequently known as a “Personal Care Attendant” (PCA) or a “Personal Assistant” (PA).
Health And Wellness Among Adults With Developmental Disabilities, Ann Szalda-Petree Ph.D., Meg A. Traci Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute Rural Institute
Health And Wellness Among Adults With Developmental Disabilities, Ann Szalda-Petree Ph.D., Meg A. Traci Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
In 1988, the National Council on Disability published Toward Independence, which identified the prevention of secondary conditions and health promotion for people with disabilities as a major national goal. During the last ten years this goal has grown in importance, with U.S. service corporations and agencies, researchers, policy makers, and even private industry acknowledging its wisdow. An entire section of Healthy People 2010, the nation’s blueprint for promoting the health of the entire population, addresses disability and health. Previous editions in the series contained no explicit sections on disability. Now, disability has its own section, with 12 specific objectives and …
Rural Health & Disability, Tom Seekins Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Rural Health & Disability, Tom Seekins Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
The health of many people with disabilities living in rural areas is not as good as one might expert. While people with disabilities can lead healthy and independent lives, they often lack access to health care providers who understand their needs, and lack access to services that would support their efforts to live independently.
Prevalence And Disability Outcome Of Secondary Conditions Experienced By Adults With Disabilities Living In A Rural State: Validation Of A Surveillance Instrument, Tom Seekins Ph.D., Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., Kaye Norris Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Prevalence And Disability Outcome Of Secondary Conditions Experienced By Adults With Disabilities Living In A Rural State: Validation Of A Surveillance Instrument, Tom Seekins Ph.D., Craig Ravesloot Ph.D., Kaye Norris Ph.D., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
Objectives. People with disabilities can lead healthy lives but may be at risk for secondary conditions. This study investigated prevalence rates and disability outcome of secondary conditions using the Secondary Conditions Surveillance Instrument (SCSI). The reliability and validity of the SCSI for measuring self-reported limitation due to secondary conditions was also investigated. Methods. Three-hundred-fifty-four handicapped parking permit holders and 22 non-disabled undergraduate students completed the SCSI. Eighteen people with spinal cords injuries completed the SCSI twice approximately 3 years apart. Results. Respondents reported experiencing an average of 14 secondary conditions during the past year with 73% experiencing more than 10 …
Management Of Swallowing Disorders: A Program For Professionals Working In Rural Areas, Kathleen D. Sims Mcsd/Ccc-Slp, Sue Reinsel-Garcia Otr/L, Kathy M. Love Ma/Ccc-Slp, Elizabeth Kohler Ed.D., O.T.R., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Management Of Swallowing Disorders: A Program For Professionals Working In Rural Areas, Kathleen D. Sims Mcsd/Ccc-Slp, Sue Reinsel-Garcia Otr/L, Kathy M. Love Ma/Ccc-Slp, Elizabeth Kohler Ed.D., O.T.R., University Of Montana Rural Institute
Health and Wellness
Research indicates that 74% of all nursing home patients experience eating difficulties sometime during their stay (Trupe, Siebens, & Siebens, 1984). Additionally, 59% of patients suffering from stroke experience some degree of dysphagia and aspiration difficulties (Echelard, Thoppil, & Melvin 1984). A significant number of the high risk dysphagia patients described above suffer from life threatening aspiration pneumonia. Consequently the management of swallowing disorders (Dysphagia) is of critical concern to hospital and nursing home personnel. Patients specficially at risk for dysphagia, according to recent studies, include those with head injury, stroke (CVA), and cerebral palsy. Also, patients experiencing cancer of …