Dysphagia and Communication Training, Sharing knowledge, building a community of care
Providing high quality services to your clients starts with great education and training.
Based on the latest evidence-based practices and professional experience, our training programs for dysphagia and communication management are ideal for allied health professionals, carers and disability and aged care support workers. We also offer courses to support Speech Pathologists with supervision and reflective practice.
Each training course is designed to build awareness and knowledge of how proactive management of communication and swallowing difficulties can improve quality of life.
You’ll be provided with the tools and the confidence to put treatment plans into action, and gain access to ongoing support via Speak and Swallow’s Closed Facebook Groups. Our training modules also assist you to meet accreditation standards as well as ensure standards of practice are being upheld.
Educated + empowered support workers and carers = genuine care, real results. Together, we can make a difference!
Face-to-face onsite or remote online learning
All of our courses can be delivered onsite or online as part of our commitment to making access to education and support as easy as possible. Simply choose the option that’s right for you:
Face-to-face
Delivered in-house at your organisation or at Speak and Swallow’s Brisbane clinic.
Every training course gives you access to ongoing support via our closed Facebook Group
Training topics
Speak and Swallow courses target the most in-demand and beneficial topics to support clients to better health, wellbeing, and connection. By building your knowledge and skills in areas of dysphagia and communication management, we can help improve client’s quality of life and mealtime safety.
With over 10 years in private practice, we also offer courses to support Speech Pathologists in providing supervision and using reflective practice, helping you to grow clinically and professionally.
Dysphagia training
We offer multiple modules from introductory to advanced courses on dysphagia and mealtime management with a focus on quality of life.
Communication training
There are numerous reasons why someone may have communication difficulties including stroke, brain damage, illness or disease. Sometimes, the best way we can support our clients or loved ones is to make sure the people and environment around them are shaped to allow for a better communication and engagement.
Learn from experienced Speech Pathologists
Speak and Swallow training is developed and delivered by our highly qualified and experienced Speech Pathologists.
Natasha Blackmore | Director and Senior Speech Pathologist
Natasha is the founder and director of Speak and Swallow. With over 14 years of experience, she is very passionate about enhancing the wellbeing and quality of life of her clients. At every step, she encourages collaboration and inspires trust through open, honest, and transparent communication. Natasha drives her team to put treatment plans into action and achieve real results. In particular, Natasha has a strong interest in dysphagia quality of life and working with clients with progressive neurological conditions. She considers it a privilege to be part of her client’s journey to improve their health, wellbeing, and connection. Natasha is a member of Speech Pathology Australia and the Laryngology Society of Australasia. When she isn’t working, Natasha can be found running marathons, wakeboarding, or spending time with her little girl.
Amy Sparks | Speech Pathologist
Amy completed a Bachelor of Speech Pathology with Honours at James Cook University in 2022. Amy is a Speech Pathology Australia member, and has worked with the Speak and Swallow team since graduating and has continued to grow her passion and commitment to supporting and empowering both clients and their families. She has a special interest in dysphagia (swallowing disorder) and is particularly passionate about providing care in palliative settings. Amy is always keen to learn, and has continued to expand her clinical knowledge by completing a range of professional development courses focusing on dysphagia biomechanics vs anatomy rehabilitation and tracheostomy management. Currently, Amy is exploring the “breathing space” to better support her clients with techniques that improve breathing, communication, and swallowing. When not at work, Amy enjoys having quality time with family and friends, exploring, swimming, camping and playing in community sporting teams.