EVERY SIP IS A VICTORY: LIVING WITH DYSPHAGIA

Abstract

Dysphagia is a condition characterized by difficulty swallowing food, liquids, or saliva, significantly impacting the safety, well-being, and inclusion of students in the school environment. This difficulty requires attention not only from health but also from education, since each meal represents a critical moment for the autonomy, self-esteem, and social participation of children. Understanding dysphagia from a school perspective is essential for promoting inclusive, safe, and welcoming pedagogical practices. The objective of this study was to analyze the importance of educational, interdisciplinary, and inclusive action in welcoming students with dysphagia in the school context, highlighting strategies for awareness, teacher training, and integration between health and education. The methodology adopted was qualitative, based on a literature review of national and international scientific publications published between 2015 and 2025. Databases such as SciELO, Google Scholar, and CAPES Journals were consulted, using the descriptors: dysphagia and education, school inclusion and health, school speech therapy, teacher training, and adapted feeding. Studies addressing the management of dysphagia in schools, the importance of speech therapy intervention, and the role of educational institutions in promoting inclusion and food security were selected. The analysis showed that the training of education professionals is fundamental to promoting safety, empathy, autonomy, and inclusion of students with dysphagia. It was observed that the joint action between teachers, speech therapists, health teams, and families contributes to the implementation of safe protocols, adapted pedagogical planning, and adequate supervision of meals. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that dysphagia management involves physical, emotional, and social dimensions, making an interdisciplinary and continuous approach essential to transform clinical challenges into pedagogical and human development opportunities. Thus, this study reinforces that continuing education and the integration of health and education are essential strategies to guarantee the full inclusion, safety, and dignity of students with dysphagia, making the school a welcoming and accessible space.