Commemorating the centennial year of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Commemorating the centennial year of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Whereas the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (referred to in this preamble as “ASHA”) is the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for 241,000 members, certificate holders, and affiliates who are—

(1) audiologists;

(2) speech-language pathologists;

(3) speech, language, and hearing scientists;

(4) audiology and speech-language pathology assistants; or

(5) students;

Whereas, in its centennial year, ASHA remains steadfast in achieving its mission to—

(1) advance science;

(2) foster excellence in education and professional practice;

(3) establish standards; and

(4) advocate for accessible and quality care for all;

Whereas ASHA believes that effective communication is a human right and should be accessible and achievable for all;

Whereas ASHA led the path for licensing in all 50 States and the District of Columbia by setting the initial standards in the fields of practice for audiology and speech-language pathology to ensure consumer protections through State licensure;

Whereas ASHA’s commitment to promoting access to care and support for those with communications disorders is demonstrated through engaging in advocacy for laws, such as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111–148), the Steve Gleason Act of 2015 (Public Law 114–40), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.), the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Act of 2022 (Public Law 117–241), and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.);

Whereas people with communication disorders are frequently subjected to stigma that includes mockery, bullying, and myths that say they are of low intelligence and ability, which causes them to be wrongly underestimated and denied advancement at work and educationally, as well as isolated socially;

Whereas communication disorders are among the most common conditions in children and adults in the United States, affecting tens of millions of individuals in the United States;

Whereas May is National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, which provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders and the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology; and

Whereas ASHA looks to the future and how it can most effectively educate, support, and advocate for the audiologists and speech-language pathologists who are making a positive difference in the quality of life for millions of individuals in the United States, from infants to older adults: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) recognizes the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association for 100 years of positive impact for people with communication disorders and work to advance the professions of audiology and speech-language pathology; and

(2) commemorates the centennial year of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.