Support Groups
National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders Virtual Support Group
This non-profit hosts a free, virtual Adult Swallowing Support Group that meets on the 2nd Friday of the month from 2 – 3 PM Pacific.
Their associated Facebook group, NFOSD Online Swallowing Support Group, is very active and has 1.8k members and counting.
Bay Area Swallowing Support
Free online support group for individuals (and their care partners) living with dysphagia in the Bay Area. Meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month (every other month) from 4 – 5 PM Pacific via Zoom.
Assistance to Reduce Financial Burden
The Dysphagia Outreach Project
Many items needed to manage swallowing difficulties at home may not be covered by insurance. The Dysphagia Outreach Project is basically a dysphagia food bank: they collect donated thickeners, pre-modified foods, therapy tools, and other supplies and distribute them to low income individuals with dysphagia.
Bay Area Specialty Centers
UCSF Voice & Swallowing Center
San Francisco, CA
(415) 885-7700
Multidisciplinary care center that specializes in voice and swallowing disorders due to conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, and radiation therapy.
Stanford Voice & Swallowing Center
Emeryville, Palo Alto, Redwood City, CA
(650) 723-5281
Experts of swallowing and swallowing disorders who implement a whole-person approach that may include therapy, surgical and minimally invasive interventions, and opportunities to participate in clinical trials.
San Francisco Voice & Swallowing Center
San Francisco, CA
(415) 839-8639
Multidisciplinary clinic that specializes in the management of Zenker’s Diverticulum with minimally invasive surgery, dysphagia related to acid reflux, and head and neck cancer.
UC Davis Center for Voice and Swallowing
Davis, CA
(916) 734-5400
An internationally recognized team that cares for uniquely challenging cases including laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), chronic cough, airway stenosis, swallowing difficulties caused by stroke, ALS, Zenker's diverticulum, esophageal dysmotility, Parkinson's disease, and head and neck cancer.
National Resources
National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders
An independent non-profit organization dedicated to promoting dysphagia awareness, education, and support for individuals living with dysphagia. Their website is full of free resources, information, and tips for living well with dysphagia.
Find a Specialist
To find a speech-language pathologist who is Board Certified in Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders:
visit the American Board of Swallowing and Swallowing Disorders
enter your location
To find a laryngologist (type of ENT who specializes in the throat):
visit the American Laryngological Association
enter your location