Tracheostomy and ventilator dependence: the SLP’s role in communication and swallowing, per ASHA
ASHA says that SLPs “play a central role in the screening, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of persons with swallowing and/or communication disorders related to artificial airways.” This page quotes ASHA only.
Quoted from official pages checked November 12, 2026. Confirm current information on those sites. This page is not medical advice and does not describe any patient’s care.
Source read on November 12, 2026: ASHA’s Practice Portal page Tracheostomy and Ventilator Dependence.
ASHA’s Practice Portal pages are written for clinicians. Quotes below stop before ASHA’s in-text research citations.
Scope and team
ASHA states: “The scope of this page includes communication and swallowing disorders in patients with tracheostomy tubes or endotracheal tubes (ETTs), both with and without mechanical ventilator dependence, across the life span.”
ASHA states: “A tracheostomy team may include (but is not limited to) an otolaryngologist, a pulmonologist, a respiratory therapist, nurses, and an SLP.” ASHA adds that the team may consult with physical therapists and occupational therapists as necessary (paraphrased; that sentence carries citations).
Roles ASHA lists for SLPs
- “Identifying the signs and symptoms of dysphagia, communication disorders and delays, and voice disorders.”
- “Making recommendations for the consideration and appropriateness of cuff deflation trials, capping trials, a one-way speaking valve, or a talking tracheostomy tube.”
- “Assessing communication options, including augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).”
- “Providing clinical recommendations on the tracheostomy weaning pathway, including tracheostomy tube selection, tube changes/downsizing, capping trials, and the decannulation process.”
Where SLPs see these patients
ASHA states: “SLPs may encounter patients with tracheostomy, both with and without mechanical ventilator dependence, in a variety of settings—including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, long-term acute care centers, schools, and home health care.”
ASHA also says SLPs who serve this population should be specifically educated and appropriately trained (paraphrased).
What this page does not do
It does not repeat ASHA’s tube-design, ventilator-setting, or procedure details. It is not medical advice and does not recommend any treatment, medicine, device, or product. Scope of practice is set by state law; check your state board.