Senate Recognizes 100 Years of ASHA: Why This Matters for Communication Access

This resolution is a formal shout-out from the Senate, commemorating the centennial year of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Essentially, it’s Congress giving a nod to the organization that represents over 241,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and related professionals. While resolutions like this don’t change policy directly, they are important because they put a spotlight on critical issues—in this case, communication care and the people who provide it.

The Professionals Behind the Care

ASHA is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing body for audiologists and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Think of SLPs as the folks who help kids learn to speak clearly, assist stroke survivors in regaining their ability to communicate, or work with someone who has difficulty swallowing. Audiologists are the experts on hearing and balance. The resolution specifically recognizes ASHA’s historical role in setting initial standards that ultimately led to consumer protection through licensing in all 50 states. This means the standards that protect you when you seek help for a child’s stutter or an elderly parent’s hearing loss are rooted in ASHA's work.

Communication as a Human Right

The most powerful statement in this resolution is the recognition that effective communication is a human right that must be accessible to everyone. This isn’t just feel-good language; it’s a policy statement supporting ASHA’s ongoing advocacy for access to care. The resolution specifically lists ASHA’s support for major laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. For everyday people, this means policymakers are acknowledging that communication disorders—which affect tens of millions of people—deserve serious attention and that the professionals who treat them need support.

Breaking Down the Stigma

One key section of the resolution addresses the social impact of communication disorders. It notes that people with these issues often face stigma, mockery, and bullying, leading to false assumptions about their intelligence. This stigma can result in people being denied opportunities in education and employment. By formally recognizing this problem, the Senate is helping to elevate awareness during May, which is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month. For the parent worried about their child being misunderstood or the adult dealing with aphasia, this official recognition helps validate their struggle and supports the professionals trying to make their lives better. This resolution is a symbolic victory for the visibility and importance of communication health.