Prioritizing Mattering through Environmental Clinical Design

This is an in-person event. We do not record or stream our meetings. See our FAQs for more info.

In medical speech-language pathology, feeding and dysphagia care not only includes identifying and addressing physiology but also affirming the humanity of each individual served. When this is conducted through co-constructed partnerships in environments whose WALLS speak, treatment initiatives are supported, and engagement is facilitated with often unspoken subtlety. This session introduces a mattering-centered framework for environmental clinical design that promotes relational attunement, emotional safety, and healing. Drawing from trauma-informed care, environmental psychology, and cultural humility, the framework equips clinicians to reshape physical spaces and relational climates to prioritize connection, patient dignity, autonomy, and the development of co-constructed goals. Practical strategies will guide attendees in redesigning therapy environments that matter to patients, their families/caregivers, and their interprofessional care teams.

Leslie Crusco Grubler, Ed.D., CCC-SLP, is the Director of Clinical Education and Clinical Services at…