Course Schedule  Course Faculty

Application Deadline: April 30, 2026

TRAIN THE TRAINER FOR SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPISTS: BACKGROUND

The MDS Train the Trainer Program (TTP) will occur beginning in mid-2026 and ending in mid-2027 using the Train the Trainer education model, wherein MDS provides centralized curriculum, resources, training and support to regionally identified trainers, who in turn utilize these materials to prepare and implement training programs for allied health professionals in their local languages and organizations.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The MDS-ES Train the Trainer Pilot Program occurs from June 2026 – July 2027.

Accepted Trainers must complete all components of the MDS-ES Train the Trainer Program outlined below.

• Online Education: June – September 2026
  Participate in online lectures and discussion.  Additional information on dates and format will be shared during the orientation call.
  Supplemental online modules will be provided to attendees. It is expected that all attendees planning to apply for the in-person Train the Trainer Program for Speech and Language Therapists complete these online modules.
  
  
• In-Person Workshop: September 17-18, 2025 – Salerno, Italy
  Required in-person workshop scheduled for September 17-18, 2026 in Salerno, Italy. MDS will provide travel support for Trainers to participate in person.
  IMPORTANT: In-person participation at the Workshop is mandatory for acceptance in the program. If you cannot attend the Workshop, please do not apply for the program.
  
  
• Discussion of Local Training Plans: September – October 2026
  Trainers will present and discuss their Local Training Implementation Plans with a faculty mentor prior to implementation.
  
  
• Implementation of Local Training Program: November 2026 – July 2027
  Trainers prepare and implement the local training programs in their home institutions or other appropriate setting. Trainers must complete the training and required event reporting before the end of July 2027.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Describe the specific communication and swallowing needs of patients with Movement Disorders

2. Indicate and discuss the most appropriate assessment tools -clinical and instrumental- to use for communication and swallowing problems of patients with Movement Disorders

3. Integrate information and propose a treatment plan based on evidence and Movement Disorders-specific clinical needs

4. Evaluate and revise the management of communication and swallowing 

5. Plan and present a local training program to transfer learning to colleagues

INTENDED AUDIENCE

The MDS-ES Train the Trainer Program is intended for speech and language therapists residing within the MDS-European Section.

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a credentialed allied health professional with a current affiliation at a hospital, clinic, or medical school
• Be a current MDS Member residing and practicing within the MDS-European Section
• Have the ability to host training for allied health professionals in local institution. (Local training can be presented in English or local language.)
• Provide verification of permission from Institution/Department Director to participate in MDS-ES Train the Trainer Program (June 2026 – October 2026), including in person attendance at the Training Workshop (September 17-18, 2026, Salerno, Italy)
• Provide verification of ability and permission to coordinate and implement a local training session at home institution or appropriate national society event (November 2026 – July 2027)