Mealtimes are typically one of the most pleasurable social activities for individuals. Meals are often the highlight of a person’s day. However, for those who have difficulty swallowing, much of this pleasure, along with the desire to eat, diminishes. For those individuals with difficulty chewing or swallowing, mealtime becomes especially risky. The normal aging process, medical conditions or disease, and even certain medications increase the risk of injury or death from choking and aspiration. This course discusses dysphagia and safe swallowing and feeding techniques to help prevent aspiration.