May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, and MedAdventures is joining in on the celebration of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists and spreading awareness of communication-related disorders. This year coincides with the 100^th anniversary of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)’s founding!

In this blog, we will be providing a brief history of ASHA and ways you can help increase public awareness of the amazing work done by SLPs and audiologists to transform their patients’ lives. 

In the United States, nearly 1 in 12 children had a disorder related to communication or swallowing in the last year. Additionally, about 15% of U.S. adults report annually to have hearing problems. SLPs and audiologists play a central role in intervening and treating those with speech, language, and hearing disorders.

While we’re grateful for their expertise and cutting-edge treatments today, these solutions weren’t always available. Let’s take a step back and see just how far we’ve come in treating communication and hearing disorders. 

ASHA: A Brief History 

ASHA traces its roots to 1925, when the American Academy of Speech Correction was established in response to an increasing interest in speech correction. The organization went on to establish official guidelines, start a foundation to fund new research, and publish influential journals.  

As ASHA grew, so did the new fields of speech-language pathology and audiology. In 1952, the ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence was created so that professionals could obtain a formal and nationally recognized credential.

Then, in 1976 (two years before the organization became ASHA as we know it today), “speech-language pathologist” became the official title for qualified professionals who treat speech and language disorders. In 2004, audiologists were required to be licensed to practice in all 50 states. Furthermore, a doctoral degree in audiology was adopted in 2007.

A Lasting Impact 

Today, there are over 172,000 SLPs and 14,000 audiologists actively working in the United States. By working together, communication medical professionals are advancing scientific research and establishing new treatments for communication and hearing disorders. ASHA, now over 200,000 members strong, continues to educate the public on all matters concerning communication health and disorders while supporting its members and those with disabilities through legislation.

Though it’s changed names a few times, National Speech-Language-Hearing Month has been celebrated for over 60 years, continuing to build awareness of those living with communication disorders and the great work done by SLPs and audiologists to better enhance their lives. 

Next Steps: National Speech-Language-Hearing Month Advocacy

Even though National Speech-Language-Hearing Month takes place in May, there are many free resources that will keep you up to date on all ASHA-related news and research year-round:

• ASHA Advocacy 
• ASHA Publications 
• ASHA Events 

National Speech-Language-Hearing Month serves as an important reminder to recognize and appreciate SLPs and audiologists for their dedication to their profession and compassion for their patients. 

The MedAdventures Mission

MedAdventures is here to do good, do well, and save lives and bring transformation to healthcare by building exceptional teams for clients and finding exciting roles for candidates. We know that working in healthcare is full of surprises and challenges. Our commitment is to eliminate recruitment obstacles so our clients and candidates can embrace opportunities and welcome adventure. We place allied healthcare professionals, including SLPs, in temporary roles with benefits nationwide.