American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is the professional, scientific, and credentialing association for more than 211,000 members and affiliates who are audiologists; speech-language pathologists; speech, language, and hearing scientists; audiology and speech-language pathology support personnel; and students. ASHA's mission is to empower and support its members and affiliates by providing resources, setting standards, and advocating for individuals with communication and related disorders.

History

ASHA was founded in 1925 as the American Academy of Speech Correction. Over the years, it has evolved to include a broader range of professionals in the field of communication sciences and disorders. The name was changed to the American Speech and Hearing Association in 1947, and it became the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association in 1978 to more accurately reflect the association's scope and the professions it represents.

Mission and Vision

The mission of ASHA is to make effective communication, a human right, accessible and achievable for all. ASHA envisions a world where all people can communicate freely and fully. This mission and vision guide the association's activities, including education, research, advocacy, and setting standards for the professions it represents.

Membership

ASHA offers membership to individuals who are engaged in the study or practice of audiology or speech-language pathology, as well as students pursuing degrees in these areas. Members benefit from access to professional development resources, the latest research findings, networking opportunities, and advocacy efforts on behalf of the profession and those it serves.

Certification

ASHA provides certification for audiologists and speech-language pathologists. The Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) is a nationally recognized professional credential that represents a level of excellence in the field. To earn the CCC, applicants must meet rigorous academic and professional standards, including earning a graduate degree, completing a supervised clinical fellowship, and passing a national examination.

Advocacy and Public Awareness

ASHA is active in advocacy efforts at the national, state, and local levels, working to influence policies that affect the professions and the individuals they serve. This includes advocating for legislation and regulations that ensure access to services, protect the rights of individuals with communication disorders, and promote research and education in the field.

ASHA also works to raise public awareness about communication disorders and the roles of audiologists and speech-language pathologists in diagnosing and treating these disorders. This includes providing resources and information to the public and promoting better understanding and support for individuals with communication challenges.

Research and Education

ASHA supports research in the field of communication sciences and disorders through its journals, conferences, and funding opportunities. The association publishes several scholarly journals, including the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research and the American Journal of Audiology. ASHA also hosts an annual convention, which is one of the largest gatherings of audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and speech, language, and hearing scientists in the world.

Conclusion

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association plays a crucial role in supporting the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology. Through its efforts in certification, advocacy, public awareness, and support for research and education, ASHA works to ensure that individuals with communication disorders have access to quality services and that the professionals who serve them are well-trained and supported in their careers.