Notably, Maureen Dykinga, MS, CCC-SLP, reached out to TalkTools last year. Specifically, she requested a donation for SPOON Foundation's upcoming trip to Mauritius. The goal of this mission was to train local caregivers. Basically, we wanted them to use good feeding techniques with kids living in shelters.
Furthermore, this mission was close to our heart. We also strive to teach good feeding techniques worldwide! If this resonates with you too, please feel free to make a donation.
Accordingly, Maureen writes about her trip and the organization's mission here. "SPOON is the only organization worldwide focused on the issue of malnutrition for children living outside of permanent family care."
The Need for Specialized Feeding Tools
Because of this, SPOON has worked in 12 countries since 2007. They use tools specifically designed for children with disabilities. These tools accommodate unique nutrition and feeding needs. Around the globe, many areas lack specialized feeding equipment. For instance, maroon spoons and flexi-cups are often unavailable.
Therefore, for children who have complex feeding challenges, these items are essential for promoting safety during mealtimes. Additionally, we at SPOON provide the equipment and model its use. We also provide training and education on feeding. Our goal is to stop children being fed with their heads tipped back. We also prevent them from being offered dangerously large bites.
Clearly, these solutions drastically reduce malnutrition. They also prevent life-threatening feeding practices in institutions and community settings.
SPOON Foundation Mission in Mauritius
In November, SPOON traveled to Mauritius. They trained caregivers on proper feeding techniques for children with disabilities. In Mauritius shelters, children were offered drinks with their head tipped back. Consequently, this practice causes dangers of aspiration and choking.
Significantly, children were also being fed large bite sizes. Caregivers were scraping the food off of the spoon into their mouths. We utilized TalkTools' donated flexi-cups to train caregivers. They learned to offer drinks without tipping the child's head back. Thus, this decreased the risk for aspiration.
Not surprisingly, we taught caregivers to use donated maroon spoons. This allowed children to take smaller bites. Also, they could begin to develop lip closure skills. These critical feeding tools are paired with our training. Consequently, they will increase children's feeding skills. This leads to better safety and efficiency.
Importantly, as feeding practices improve, we hope to see better health. Moreover, this will promote dignity and a better quality of life.
About Maureen Dykinga, MS, CCC-SLP
Here is Maureen Dykinga's bio from the SPOON Foundation website. First, Maureen is a pediatric speech-language pathologist. She improves the lives of those with feeding and cognitive difficulties. She has devoted her career to the birth to three population. Specifically, she focuses on supporting medically fragile individuals and their caregivers.
Essentially, Maureen ran a small private practice in Tucson, Arizona, for 13 years. She developed systems to improve quality of life for this population. Indeed, she did this both professionally and philanthropically.
Moreover, Maureen brings her passion for advocacy to the Pacific Northwest. Currently, she is developing a newfound love of rain with her family! Finally, Maureen can be reached via comments below.