ASHA’s Century of Impact From Montgomery County, Maryland
For 100 years, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has championed its vision to make effective communication a human right that is accessible and achievable for all. Founded as the national professional, scientific, and credentialing association for the audiology and speech-language pathology professions, ASHA today represents more than 241,000 members, certificate holders, and affiliates across the country. Its members include audiologists, speech-language pathologists (SLPs), scientists, assistants, and students dedicated to preventing, identifying, and treating speech, language, hearing, balance, and swallowing disorders for individuals of all ages. With membership on track to reach 250,000 in the coming years, ASHA’s growth reflects the increasing demand for communication health professionals nationwide.
ASHA’s roots in the Washington, DC region date back to 1958, when it opened its first National Office in the nation’s capital. As the organization grew, ASHA built its first office building in Bethesda in 1966, drawn by the availability of land and the proximity to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Over time, the association continued to expand, relocating along Rockville Pike before ultimately building its current headquarters in Rockville. Today, the Rockville-based National Office, which is the first LEED-certified green non-profit building headquarters in Maryland, is home to approximately 320 employees, many of whom live in Montgomery County.
Non-profits play an important role in Montgomery County’s business ecosystem. In fact, 10 percent of County workers are employed by non-profits. Being located in Montgomery County has provided ASHA with both practical and strategic advantages. The County’s robust infrastructure and access to major airports, rail (AMTRAK/MARC), major highways, and good public transportation system, along with broadband and reliable data-network services are key to their business operations, and allow them to better serve their members across the country. Additionally, Montgomery County has provided ASHA with access to a broad base of highly skilled, educated professionals, and a diverse talent pool, allowing them to hire high-quality and dedicated employees. ASHA also cites the proximity to federal and policy centers as a key strategic advantage, helping to strengthen the association’s ability to engage in legislative and regulatory discussions that shape the future of audiology and speech-language pathology nationwide.
National Recognition and a Centennial Celebration
ASHA’s impact continues to earn national recognition. In 2025, the association received a Power of Associations Summit Award from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) for its HEAR and TALK programs. These text-messaging initiatives deliver timely, trusted, and actionable information to families whose children have, or may have, hearing loss or speech-language delays. Almost 11% of U.S. children between the ages of 3 and 6 years old have a speech, language, or voice disorder, and among school-aged children between the ages of 5 and 21 years old, speech or language impairment is the second most common disability category for which children receive special education services under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). ASHA’s HEAR and TALK Programs are crucial to filling the gap in early access to comprehensive support.
2025 also marked ASHA’s Centennial. Throughout the year, the organization celebrated 100 years of leadership, innovation, and advocacy in communication sciences and disorders. The Centennial was formally recognized by Maryland Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, who introduced a resolution honoring ASHA’s century of service and its profound impact on millions of individuals—from infants to older adults—who rely on audiologists and SLPs to improve their quality of life.
Looking Ahead
As ASHA looks to the future, both its staff and membership are expected to continue growing, reinforcing Montgomery County’s role as a hub for mission-driven organizations with national reach. From its sustainable headquarters in Rockville to its influence on policy, research, and public awareness, ASHA exemplifies how organizations rooted in Montgomery County are making a difference far beyond the state of Maryland by ensuring that effective communication remains accessible and achievable for all.
