Co-creating safe and enjoyable meals for people with swallowing disabilities: UTS and Melba Support Services' solution.
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is common in people with disability and can lead to problems with choking, respiratory health, and nutrition, as well as reducing the enjoyment and safety of meals and quality of life. People with disability who have trouble swallowing often need texture-modified foods, assistive technologies, and mealtime assistance to ensure a safe and enjoyable eating experience. So it is vital that people providing support recognise when a person has swallowing difficulty and what to do to help them access safe and enjoyable meals.
Co-Creating Safe and Enjoyable Meals for People with Swallowing Disability Short Course
Melba Support Services recognised the importance of their direct support workforce having the necessary skills and knowledge to prepare safe and enjoyable meals for people with swallowing disabilities. Partnering with Plus UTS, this one-day online training program has been delivered to over 800 Melba support workers, empowering them to deliver safe eating experiences for their clients. The course emphasises the importance of a person-centred approach to mealtime support and immerses learners in simulation activities reflecting everyday situations where mealtime safety is critical.
The Importance of Co-Designing Training Programs
UTS worked with a consortium of disability sector professionals, including self-advocacy groups, allied health professionals, and experts with lived experience, to co-design the course. The input of industry professionals working alongside people with swallowing disability, support workers and managers helped in designing a program that met the specific needs of the disability sector. Co-designing training programs can lead to effective learning outcomes, and it is crucial to involve industry professionals while developing such programs.
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