Pediatric Tracheostomy Management for the SLP: Part 1
Presented by Jonathan Forfa
Description
Providing specialized care for children with tracheostomies requires a deep understanding of the unique physiological and developmental differences inherent in the pediatric population. This course addresses the clinical practice gap in pediatric tracheostomy management by critically evaluating the current state of the science and providing evidence-based strategies for speech-language pathologists. Learners will explore the anatomical indications for tracheostomy in children versus adults, the mechanical components of various tubes, and the specific impact of a tracheostomy on laryngeal sensitivity and swallowing biomechanics. By integrating recent literature that challenges conventional wisdom regarding aspiration risk and speaking valves, the course prepares clinicians to safely progress their patients' communication and feeding skills. Participants will leave with a toolkit of multimodal communication options and a framework for individualized assessment that supports the patient’s journey from acute recovery to long-term management.
Instructor
Jonathan Forfa, MS, CCC-SLP
Jon Forfa, M.S., CCC-SLP, CNT?is a speech-language pathologist specializing in the assessment and treatment of pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders. He has a special interest in tracheostomy and ventilator-dependent patients. Jon splits his time between caring for neonates in a level 4 NICU and consulting for the…
Learning Objectives
- Analyze communication options for tracheostomy-dependent children.
- Examine the potential impacts of tracheostomy dependence on swallowing.
- Integrate evidence-based strategies for tracheostomy management into communication and swallowing assessment.
- Analyze the differences between adult and pediatric tracheostomy assessment and treatment.
Agenda
All times in Eastern Time.
- 6:00pm–6:15pm
- Chapter 1: Introduction to Tracheostomy
- 6:15pm–6:30pm
- Chapter 2: Communication Options
- 6:30pm–6:40pm
- Chapter 3: Literature Update
- 6:40pm–6:45pm
- Break
- 6:45pm–7:00pm
- Question and Answer Session
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Details
- December 17, 2026
- 6:00pm-7:00pm EST
-
- SLPs, Intermediate
- Register soon to secure your spot!
Register for Webinar
December 17, 2026
6:00pm-7:00pm EST
Register for Webinar
* Available December 17
Disclaimer
Disclosure: Jonathan Forfa, instructor for this educational event, receives compensation from Medbridge for this course. No one with the ability to control content has relevant relationship(s) to disclose.
Accreditation
Requirements
"Live" CEUs
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“Live” CEU.
Approved Status applies to “Live” requirement for: AR, DC, FL, IL, IN, KY, NE, NJ, NC, OK, TN, TX, VA DE, FL, KS, NY, TN, AOTA BOC, FL CA, CT, ME, MS, ASHA"Live" CEUs
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