Course

Dysphagia Support Course

NDIS Refresher Courses

Dysphagia Support Course

Refresh confident, safe mealtime support for NDIS participants who live with swallowing difficulties.

Price $295
Duration 1 Day
Intake Monthly
Mode Hybrid
Level All
Overview

About This Course

Dysphagia Support is a one day refresher for support workers and carers who assist NDIS participants with swallowing difficulties. The course covers the everyday signs of dysphagia, the role of speech pathologists and dietitians, and the practical steps that keep meals safe, enjoyable, and dignified.

You will revisit modified diets, fluid thickness levels, safe positioning, and the use of mealtime management plans. Trainers guide you through choking response, aspiration risk, and clear mealtime documentation so each meal stays consistent across shifts. By the end of the day you will feel ready to deliver respectful mealtime support that follows the participant's plan and reduces risk in home and community settings.

Learning Outcomes

What You'll Learn

Identify common signs and risk factors of dysphagia in everyday support

Apply IDDSI texture and fluid levels accurately at every meal

Set up safe positioning, pacing, and environment for participant meals

Follow mealtime management plans written by speech pathologists

Respond confidently to a choking event using current first aid steps

Document meals, intake, and concerns for the clinical and family team

Course Structure

Modules & Units

01 Understanding Dysphagia

A clear refresher on swallowing, common dysphagia presentations, and why mealtime support matters so much.

02 Diets, Fluids, and IDDSI

Practical walkthrough of texture levels, fluid thickness, and how to prepare meals that match the participant's plan.

03 Safe Mealtime Set Up

Positioning, pacing, environment, and the small choices that make a big difference at every meal.

04 Choking and Aspiration Response

Hands on practice of choking first aid using current resuscitation guidelines and recovery support.

05 Documentation and Plan Review

Mealtime records, communication with families, and how to feed insights back to the clinical team.

Career Outcomes

Where This Course Can Take You

Disability Support Worker

Provide skilled support to NDIS participants in their homes and the community with confidence in this clinical task.

Community Care Worker

Deliver consistent, high quality care across a roster of participants while meeting provider quality requirements.

In Home Carer

Support participants to remain safely at home through accurate procedures, observation, and timely reporting.

Allied Health Assistant

Assist nurses and allied health teams by carrying out delegated tasks safely under their direct supervision.

Assessments

How You'll Be Assessed

Assessment is competency based across the day. You will complete short written checks on dysphagia and IDDSI levels, then prepare a sample modified meal and drink, demonstrate safe mealtime set up, and rehearse a choking response on a clinical mannequin. A final case study confirms your ability to follow a mealtime plan accurately.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

  • You must be at least 18 years of age and currently working or volunteering in disability or community support
  • Basic written and spoken English so you can read care plans and complete documentation
  • A current police check or willingness to obtain one before working with NDIS participants
  • A genuine commitment to person centred, respectful, and safe support practice
What to Bring

Come Prepared

  • Photo identification for sign in on the day
  • A notebook and pen for activities and reflective notes
  • Comfortable clothing suitable for practical exercises
  • A reusable water bottle and any personal medication you may need
Certification

Statement of Attendance

On successful completion you receive a So Rig Institute Statement of Attendance confirming your refresher in this skill area. The statement lists the topics covered, the date attended, and the trainer who delivered the session, and is suitable for inclusion in your professional development file.

We recommend a refresher every twelve months, in line with NDIS practice standards and most provider policies, so your skills, documentation, and incident reporting stay current.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this course for?

Support workers, carers, and family members who help NDIS participants with meals where dysphagia is present or suspected.

Will I learn to assess swallowing?

No. Swallowing assessments are completed by speech pathologists. You learn to follow plans and support meals safely.

What is IDDSI?

IDDSI is the international framework that describes texture and fluid thickness levels. You will review every level used in NDIS settings.

What if a participant chokes?

You will rehearse a clear, calm response based on current resuscitation guidelines and your provider's reporting policy.

How often should I refresh?

Most providers ask for a refresher every twelve months or sooner if the participant's mealtime plan changes.

Take the Next Step Towards Your Dream Career

Enrol today at Sorig Institute and gain the practical skills, confidence and certification you need to launch your NDIS career.