Our Work

Our ability to communicate and connect with each other is key to our success and happiness. The ASHFoundation supports innovators and sparks innovation in communication sciences to make that connection possible for everyone. Join us!

We make early investments in promising innovators
...to empower speech, language, and hearing professionals
...to change people's lives.
Learn more about our work

Millions of people are struggling to communicate and connect, but we’re here to help.

"How can a computer best give someone a voice?"

This question has inspired much of John McCarthy’s research career, including his ASHFoundation-funded investigation into the use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) by people with speech and language disorders who also have other disabilities. Common AAC systems—which typically incorporate some type of visual component—are often unusable for people who have visual impairments.

That research has led to McCarthy’s work on programs, devices, and opportunities for people with communication disorders who have visual and motor impairments—making communication possible for everyone.

Read more about John's work

Your Donation Sparks Bold, Forward-thinking Solutions

58,000

DONORS AND GROWING
MORE
THAN
2,500
researchers, students, & clinical professionals funded
$
12.8

MILLION AWARDED
OVER
90
PERCENT
of our funded researchers go on to receive additional external funding

 

Events and Deadlines


ASHFoundation Board of Trustees Meeting
6/5/2023

ASHFoundation Virtual 5K Walk/Run
8/26/2023

Lace up for the ASHFoundation’s fourth annual Virtual 5K Walk/Run! Get the details and sign up in time to receive your official t-shirt and race bib.

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What's New


Nancy J. Minghetti, 2022 ASHA Honors Statement

During the 2022 ASHA Convention New Orleans, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) presented Nancy J. Minghetti, who recently retired after leading the ASHFoundation for 26 years, with the Honors of the Association.

2022 ASHFoundation Awards and Honorees

Conferred during the ASHFoundation annual Founders Breakfast on November 18, 2022.

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation Announces New Executive Director

Sharon E. Moss, PhD, CCC-SLP, CAE will be the next Executive Director of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (ASHFoundation), the organization announced today.

Nancy J. Minghetti, Executive Director of the ASHFoundation, to Retire

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (ASHFoundation) announced today its Executive Director for the past 26 years, Nancy J. Minghetti, will retire in September.

75 Days of Giving-Back Campaign Raises More Than $15,000

The ASHFoundation’s 75th anniversary celebrations culminated in a fun 75 Days of Giving-Back Campaign. Thanks to generous donors, more than $15,000 was raised to support ASHFoundation funding programs and many of the donors won a $100 gift card as a thank you for participating. See our list of lucky winners.

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