Welcome

Welcome to the homepage of the University of Wisconsin Swallowing Speech And Dining Enhancement (SSWAL-ADE) Program. UW SSWAL-ADE, directed by Professor JoAnne Robbins, PhD, CCC-SLP, BRS-S, is a dynamic multidisciplinary translational mechanism that has served the UW scientific and clinical communities for more than 20 years.

Program Description

SSWAL-ADE is an internationally recognized unique program dedicated to the evaluation, treatment and research of swallowing and speech disorders and related issues across the lifespan. The program's faculty and staff were among the first in the United States to be awarded Board Specialty Recognition in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Mission

The mission of our program is dual. First, the members of the distinguished faculty and staff of SSWAL-ADE are committed to providing the best clinical care for all patients, by completing thorough evaluations, designing new solutions, and implementing individualized treatment programs. Patients and families can access more clinical information on this page.

In addition to providing outstanding patient care, our faculty has developed a number of the field's diagnostic tools and treatment methods, and has implemented multiple federally funded clinical research protocols, awarded to the Director, faculty and staff, to help improve the treatment and quality of life of patients with a variety of swallowing disorders (aka dysphagia). Advanced state-of-art imaging techniques, contrast materials, current biomechanical measurement approaches, clinical evaluation procedures and behavioral treatments are a number of the multiple tools and methods SSWAL-ADE has contributed and used to accomplish research and clinical goals.

At this time, UW SSWAL-ADE is particularly focused on the timely translation of efficacious existing interventions and the creative development of new interventions, ranging from compensatory strategies, including biophysically designed foods and fluids, to rehabilitative techniques, including novel exercise regimens and biofeedback devices that are evidence-based. The ultimate goal is to identify the effects of these interventions on the swallowing physiology, the general health and quality of life of patients, and to increase our understanding of neural underpinnings, while providing the best care to patients of all ages, and addressing the needs of their families and care providers.

Select any of the links at the menu on the left to find out more about our exciting research and clinical projects!