All-in-one SLP guide for BSHM 2027: official themes, advocacy strategies, and ready-to-use activity plans for schools, clinics, and virtual settings.
Employment of speech-language pathologists is projected to grow 19% through 2032, but public awareness of communication disorders remains low.
Better Speech and Hearing Month 2027 arrives as the profession's visibility needs to catch up with its expansion.
With ASHA's rebrand to National Speech-Language-Hearing Month and new toolkits expected, SLPs can shape the conversation in every setting. Effective advocacy this May isn't about a single event; it's about stacking small, strategic actions that push screening, treatment, and policy forward all year.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has grown to over 223,000 members since its founding in 1925, and each May that community rallies around Better Speech and Hearing Month. What began as a modest effort to increase public understanding of speech and hearing disorders now draws nationwide attention to the work of speech-language pathologists and audiologists.
ASHA was established in 1925, and early on its leaders recognized the need for a dedicated public awareness campaign. By the mid-20th century, the association had formalized the month of May as Better Speech and Hearing Month. According to National Today’s history of the observance, the observance was designed to spotlight speech-language disorders and the professionals who treat them, while encouraging people to seek help for speech, language, and hearing concerns. The original name reflected ASHA’s dual focus on both speech and hearing, and although the name has evolved in some circles to National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, many clinicians and organizations still use the traditional designation.
No discussion of BSHM history is complete without Mildred Templin. Born in 1911, Templin was a pioneering speech-language pathologist whose 1957 study on articulation norms became a cornerstone of SLP education and clinical practice. Her research systematically documented the ages at which most children master specific speech sounds, providing clinicians with a reliable framework for identifying delays. During BSHM, many programs highlight Templin’s work as a testament to how rigorous research can drive early intervention. Her norms are still taught in graduate programs today, and they remind us that the field’s effectiveness is built on evidence and careful observation.
Since Templin’s era, ASHA’s membership has swelled to over 223,000, and Better Speech and Hearing Month has kept pace with that growth. The month now serves as a platform for promoting early intervention, advocating for accessible care, and celebrating the achievements of people with communication disorders. From social media campaigns to community screenings, SLPs use the 31 days of May to share resources, bust myths, and connect families with services. The observance also unites a wide range of partners, from hearing technology companies to patient advocacy groups, all working toward the common goal of better communication for everyone.
The biggest decision many SLPs face as May approaches2 is whether to jump into campaign planning now or wait for ASHA to unveil the official details. There is eager anticipation around each year’s theme and toolkit, but at this moment, June 2026, the specifics for 2027 remain under wraps.1 That does not mean you have to sit idle. Understanding the rhythm of past releases and the recent branding shift puts you ahead of the curve, ready to amplify awareness the moment materials go live.
In 2023, ASHA officially changed the observance name from Better Hearing and Speech Month to National Speech-Language-Hearing Month.1 The new name better reflects the full scope of the professions and the people they serve, moving beyond hearing and speech alone to explicitly include language, swallowing, and cognitive-communication. While the older name persists in some settings, ASHA now consistently uses the updated title. This matters for your planning because all official 2027 collateral, hashtags, and campaigns will align with "National Speech-Language-Hearing Month." If you are creating materials ahead of ASHA’s launch, using the current name avoids confusion later.
Although official hashtags for 2027 are not yet public, professionals often rally around #NSLHM and #NationalSpeechLanguageHearingMonth. Broader tags like #SLPeeps, #AudPeeps, and #EarlyIntervention remain evergreen. You can also lean on generic awareness messaging that fits any theme ASHA might choose, such as "Communication is a human right" or "Speech-language-hearing services change lives." Drafting posts and gathering local partner contacts now means you can customize and publish quickly later.
Past campaigns have provided everything from printable handouts to virtual backgrounds and social media cover photos. Reviewing ASHA’s archived resources (such as the "Communication Across the Lifespan" toolkit) helps you anticipate the type of materials likely to return: fact sheets, press release templates, and infographics that you can adapt with fresh data. You can also reach out to your state association; many release complementary toolkits aligned with ASHA’s national push. This proactive groundwork ensures your May 2027 is less about scrambling and more about impact.
Why did ASHA change Better Speech and Hearing Month to National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, and what does this mean for SLPs in 2027?
For decades, May was known to speech-language pathologists and audiologists as Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM). In 2023, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and the National Association for Hearing and Speech Action (NAHSA) announced a permanent rename to National Speech-Language-Hearing Month (NSLHM), effective with the 2024 observance.1 The shift reflects years of member feedback and a deliberate effort to make the month more inclusive and representative of the full scope of communication sciences and disorders.
The previous name’s use of the word “better” raised concerns. According to ASHA, thousands of members over more than a year voiced that the term could be perceived as judgmental toward individuals who communicate differently, including those who are Deaf or hard of hearing, non-speaking, or who stutter.1 Removing “better” was a central step toward honoring neurodiversity and the lived experiences of the people the month aims to support.
Beyond inclusivity, the new name also better captures the breadth of the professions.2 “National Speech-Language-Hearing Month” explicitly references speech, language, and hearing, mirroring ASHA’s own name and identity, rather than implying that hearing or speech alone are the focus. The acronym NSLHM was chosen among briefer alternatives to be memorable and easy for media and the public to use.1
The official announcement came on July 19, 2023, through an ASHA Leader article featuring then-NAHSA President and ASHA CEO Vicki R. Deal-Williams.1 A nine-month transition period followed, giving professionals and organizations time to update materials, websites, and messaging. The first observance under the new name occurred in May 2024, and the change is permanent, not a temporary rebranding.4
For the 2027 observance, SLP professionals should use “National Speech-Language-Hearing Month” as the primary name. On first reference, you may include a brief parenthetical like “(formerly Better Hearing and Speech Month)” to aid audiences still familiar with the older title.3 The official hashtag remains #NSLHM,2 and ASHA continues to offer downloadable resources, media tools, and campaign guides through its website.3
Consistency is key. Whether you’re drafting social media posts, designing patient handouts, or planning community events, stick with the NSLHM name and acronym. This not only aligns with ASHA’s guidance but also reinforces the inclusive, person-centered values that are central to the modern speech-language pathology profession.
Advocacy means taking deliberate, visible steps to educate decision-makers and the public about the value of speech-language pathology services. Better Speech and Hearing Month 2027 gives you a natural platform to start conversations that can lead to real policy and funding improvements.
Schedule a meeting with your state legislator early in May. Frame the ask around a local story , maybe a student who gained classroom confidence after articulation therapy, or an adult recovering communication after a stroke. Keep the message simple: early intervention by SLPs saves money and changes lives. If an in-person visit is hard to pin down, request a virtual coffee chat or attend a town hall. Follow up with a one-page leave-behind that includes state-specific data on caseload challenges and the percentage of students who need but don’t yet receive services.
Write an op-ed for your local newspaper or a professional blog. Tie it to BSHM by opening with something like, “This May, as we recognize Better Speech and Hearing Month, thousands of children in our county are still waiting for the speech therapy they need.” Local media outlets often look for timely, community-focused pieces, and a clear call to action , increased school-based SLP positions, for instance , can shift public opinion. Pitch a segment to a local radio or TV station, offering to explain the scope of communication disorders and what families should watch for.
Host a “lunch and learn” for school staff, hospital administrators, or clinic managers. Use the session to demonstrate how communication disorders affect classroom behavior, patient safety, and workplace productivity. Share a brief case study (with privacy protected) and connect it to concrete supports you need: dedicated therapy space, protected documentation time, or access to updated AAC devices. When colleagues understand the full SLP scope of practice beyond the therapy room, they become allies in advocating for resources.
Set up a drop-in advocacy table in a common area with simple handouts on developmental milestones and red flags. Pair it with a sign-up sheet for staff who want to join an advocacy email list or attend a future meeting with administrators.
ASHA’s advocacy pages offer pre-written letters, issue briefs, and talking points on topics like Medicare reimbursement, school caseloads, and telehealth. Download the 2027 BSHM advocacy kit when it becomes available and customize the templates for your setting. Use ASHA’s “Take Action” alerts to respond quickly to legislative calls, and share those alerts with your network. Even five minutes spent sending a templated email can add to a collective push.
Better Speech and Hearing Month isn’t just a celebration , it’s a strategic moment to address chronic issues like unrealistic caseload caps and inconsistent service funding. Frame your BSHM advocacy around specific, measurable goals: for example, a district policy limiting caseloads to ASHA’s recommended maximum, or a state budget line item for school-based SLP recruitment. Collect data during May (number of students on a waiting list, average weeks until initial evaluation) and share it with decision-makers, pairing the numbers with real stories. When the month ends, schedule a follow-up meeting to track progress. The calendar peg creates urgency and a clear deadline , use it to move from awareness to action.
According to May 2024 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the speech-language pathology field is robust, with nearly 179,000 professionals employed nationwide. A strong median annual wage and a wide earnings range highlight both opportunity and demand, making outreach efforts like Better Speech and Hearing Month essential for connecting communities with these vital services.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Employment | 178,790 |
| Mean Annual Wage | $95,840 |
| 25th Percentile Wage | $75,310 |
| Median Annual Wage | $95,410 |
| 75th Percentile Wage | $112,510 |
Planning Better Speech and Hearing Month activities often means choosing between quick, one-time events and deeper, ongoing engagement that builds investment over the full month. The right mix depends on your caseload age range, your work setting, and how much time you can devote to preparation. The ideas below are starting points you can scale up or down, use them as templates to match your unique community.
School-based SLPs have a built-in audience of students, teachers, and administrators. Small, daily moments often create more lasting awareness than a single assembly.
In clinical settings, you often see patients one-on-one or in small groups. Use those touchpoints to empower families and highlight the breadth of your work.
When services are primarily virtual or home-based, success hinges on caregiver education and easily replicable activities.
If you need concrete examples to kickstart your planning, several sources can point you toward proven ideas without requiring you to start from scratch.
Adapt any structure to your schedule. Even a few targeted activities can spark richer conversations about communication and hearing health all month long.
When planning your BSHM activities, blend education with a personal touch. A family's candid story about the impact of early intervention often resonates more deeply than a stack of brochures. Invite a parent to share their journey; that single testimonial could become your most memorable advocacy moment.
Patient handouts and family engagement resources are the printable flyers, posters, checklists, and activity sheets you share with clients, students, parents, and caregivers. They turn a single therapy session into a month-long conversation about communication wellness at home, at school, and in the community.
Official 2027 materials from ASHA and NIDCD are still in development as of mid-2026, but you can prepare now by bookmarking their campaign pages and checking back in early spring. Last year’s offerings set a strong baseline: ASHA provided colorful printable posters with key messages, the Educational Audiology Association shared a family-friendly Scavenger Hunt PDF, and the American Academy of Audiology offered customizable press release templates. NIDCD’s fact sheet PDFs on hearing loss are perennial favorites that get updated regularly.
Based on typical rollouts, you can expect three categories of materials: - Speech-language milestones charts that help families spot typical development and know when to seek help. - Hearing protection tip sheets with age-specific guidance on safe listening habits and noise exposure. - Early intervention and multilingual support packets, often translated into Spanish and other common languages, making them useful for diverse caseloads.
Most organizations release materials as templates. You can add your clinic, school, or district logo, insert your contact information, and tailor language to your local community. For multilingual families, check if the source file is editable; sometimes a simple translation by a bilingual colleague or a professional translator can make a handout twice as useful. Some SLPs also adapt the messaging to tie into local screening events or parent-teacher nights.
Focus your handout selection on what your specific audience needs most. A school SLP might lean hard on articulation norms and classroom listening strategies. A medical SLP might prioritize swallowing precautions and post-stroke communication tips. The goal is to pick two or three high-impact sheets you can really use, rather than a stack that gathers dust. As 2027 materials become available, you will find them at ASHA’s campaign hub, the NIDCD website, and the parent resource portals listed on nationaltoday.com and slpnow.com.
A 31-day social media campaign can feel daunting, but you don’t need to be a content strategist to amplify Better Speech and Hearing Month in 2027. The key balance is between broad awareness and deep engagement: flashy graphics may attract views, but thoughtful, consistent posting builds trust with families, colleagues, and policymakers. This toolkit helps you strike that balance, whether you are rallying your school’s parent group or connecting with professional peers.
Structuring the month with a weekly rhythm keeps content manageable. Use the following themes as a starting point: - Motor Speech Monday: Share a quick video of a child’s progress or a simulation of dysarthria to highlight the work of SLPs. - Telepractice Tip Tuesday: Offer a practical remote therapy hack, like using virtual backgrounds to reduce visual distraction. - What’s New Wednesday: Spotlight recent research or ASHA’s updated advocacy resources. - Thankful Thursday: Give a shoutout to a mentor, client, or interprofessional partner. - Fun Fact Friday: Pair a little-known statistic (e.g., “1 in 12 U.S. children has a communication disorder”) with a colorful graphic. - Weekend highlights: Rotate between family engagement prompts, self-care reminders for clinicians, and community event previews.
You don’t need a design degree to create eye-catching posts. ASHA’s 2026 social media toolkit provided profile frames, GIPHY stickers, and downloadable templates2 that will likely be updated for 2027. Check the official resource page on speechpathology.org for refreshed assets. Pair these with simple captions: - “May is Better Speech and Hearing Month! Follow along all month as we celebrate communication wins and advocate for early intervention. #BSHM2027” - “Ever wonder what an SLP does? Swipe through to see the many settings we serve. #NSLHM #slpeeps” For clinics, capture a 15-second clip of a therapy activity in action. Add text overlay explaining the goal, and always obtain consent before sharing client images.
In 2026, ASHA adopted the name National Speech-Language-Hearing Month with the primary hashtag #NSLHM.1 For 2027, expect the same official focus, though many professionals still use #BSHM and #BetterSpeechHearingMonth to connect with the broader public. Include a mix of both in your posts to maximize reach. Platform-specific tips based on ASHA’s guidance: - Instagram: Reels perform well for quick tips and candid moments. Use ASHA’s story frames and GIPHYs2 to boost engagement. - Facebook: Short videos, like the announcement video ASHA shared in 2026,3 work for community building. Pair with a personal story about why you became an SLP. - LinkedIn: Frame posts around professional impact, inclusivity, and representation.4 Share a brief article on how your district expanded telepractice after the campaign. - TikTok: Jump on trending sounds with educational twists, for example, duet a popular video to explain vowel shaping.
While exact benchmarks for BSHM vary, past campaigns show that consistency outperforms perfection. Aim for at least three posts per week, and track simple metrics: new followers, profile visits, and a handful of meaningful comments per post are solid wins. If a post sparks a direct message from a parent seeking services, that is a higher-impact outcome than dozens of passive likes.
Nearly 1 in 12 U.S. children has a voice, speech, or language disorder, according to the NIDCD. Early intervention by SLPs can dramatically improve communication skills, academic success, and social development, highlighting the importance of timely screenings and treatment.
A mixed-methods approach is the gold standard for measuring the impact of health awareness campaigns, combining quantitative service data with qualitative participant feedback.2 A baseline-endline survey design, paired with logic models that map your activities to short- and long-term outcomes, gives you the clearest picture of whether your Better Speech and Hearing Month (BSHM) campaign moved the needle.1 The Local Government Association and Better Evaluation recommend a nine-step evaluation plan: clarify objectives, develop surveys, set up tracking, collect baseline data, monitor progress, administer endline surveys, analyze results, apply ROI calculations, and report findings.1 Building this framework before May ensures you capture the numbers and stories that matter to school boards, clinic directors, and grant providers.
Start with a tracking sheet that logs four to five priority indicators. Count how many free speech, language, or hearing screenings you facilitated. Record the number of patient handouts, flyers, or information packets distributed. Track social media reach through platform analytics, Facebook Insights and Twitter Analytics are already built in2, and note any surge in new patient inquiries, appointment requests, or website visits during May. If your campaign includes a dedicated hashtag, use a social listening tool like Brandwatch to gauge broader engagement.2 Equity matters too; many evaluation guidelines, including health impact assessment frameworks, require that you break down impact by age, gender, socioeconomic status, or vulnerability group, so capture this if possible.[[CITE:3]
Event feedback is best collected through pre/post ratings on the same form. Free tools like Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, or REDCap make it easy to build a short questionnaire.2 A well-structured BSHM survey includes five sections: exposure (did you attend or see our campaign?), awareness (what do you know now about speech and hearing health?), attitudes (how important is early intervention to you?), behaviours (have you or will you seek a screening or share information?), and demographics (optional, for equity breakdowns).1 For example, a pre/post question might read: “On a scale of 1, 5, how confident are you in recognizing signs of a communication disorder in a child?” Comparing aggregate scores before and after the event yields a measurable shift. For deeper qualitative insights, consider using NVivo to code open-ended responses,2 though a simple summary of themes often suffices for a one-page report.
Return on investment transforms your outcomes into a compelling business case. The core formula is straightforward: ROI = (Total economic benefits − Total campaign costs) ÷ Total campaign costs.1 Benefits might include projected healthcare cost savings from early intervention, productivity gains when a child receives timely speech therapy, or even the estimated value of preventable hearing loss cases. Though precise dollar figures can be elusive, you can approximate using published data on the cost of untreated communication disorders. On the cost side, tally staff hours, printing, promotional materials, and any paid social media boosts. Even a conservative calculation, say, showing that every dollar spent on screening events could avert $3 in future special education costs, speaks volumes to funders. The Local Government Association’s health improvement guides emphasize that monetization, even partial, strengthens accountability.1
A one-page brief should open with a headline metric, such as “43 screenings conducted, resulting in 8 referrals for formal evaluation.” Use a simple table or bullet list to summarize: number of events, total attendees, handouts distributed, social media impressions, and survey sample size. Add a short narrative of qualitative highlights, “One parent shared that the video on speech sound milestones prompted her to seek an evaluation”, and your ROI estimate. A bar or pie chart comparing pre and post survey awareness scores adds visual impact. End with a concise list of next steps recommended to stakeholders, tying your BSHM results directly to institutional goals like equity in access or early childhood intervention metrics. This report, grounded in mixed-methods evaluation, positions your campaign not just as a meaningful observance but as a measurable public health effort.
