Overview

ABSSD certifies speech–language pathologists (SLPs) who have advanced knowledge, skills and experience in swallowing and swallowing disorders. Mission: • To administer an efficient certification program for specialists in the clinical practice and research in swallowing and swallowing disorders, • To provide the opportunity for practitioners to specify the high level of the clinical practice they provide, • To provide advanced level educational opportunities for practitioners, • To maintain a mechanism by which the public can identify those practitioners with specialized clinical education and experience, and • To increase awareness of validated assessment and treatment procedures, and promote educated choices for provision of services. While the BCS-S is voluntary, it has become the standard for identifying an SLP who is an expert in swallowing and swallowing disorders (dysphagia).