[American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation](https://www.ashfoundation.org)

April 2026 (Nomination submission deadline, projected)

No monetary award; recipient receives a commemorative art object and recognition plaque.

Recognizes individuals with at least 20 years of outstanding contributions to clinical practice in communication sciences and disorders.

--- ## Description The Frank R. Kleffner Lifetime Clinical Career Award honors individuals who have made exceptional, long-term contributions (minimum 20 years) to the field of communication sciences and disorders. The award celebrates clinical excellence in areas such as service delivery, supervision, administration, clinical research, or related activities that have significantly advanced the quality and impact of clinical care. This recognition is named in honor of Frank R. Kleffner, a leader who helped professionalize the field and expand the mission of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation. --- ## Due Dates - April 2026 (Nomination submission deadline, anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - No monetary award is provided. - Recipient receives a commemorative art object and a recognition plaque. --- ## Eligibility - Nominee must have made outstanding, specific contributions to clinical practice in audiology and/or speech-language pathology over at least 20 years. - Contributions may be in clinical service, supervision, administration, clinical research, or other activities promoting clinical excellence. - Nominee’s work may be based anywhere in the world. - Nominee does **not** need to be a member of any professional association. - Contributions must have significantly affected recipients of service and altered or accelerated the quality of clinical care. --- ## Application Process - Nominations must be submitted online using the designated Nomination and Summary Form. - Required documents: - **Nomination and Summary Form** (online): Includes nominee and nominator contact information and a summary statement (three sentences or fewer). - **Nomination Document** (single PDF, max 15 pages): - **Nomination Narrative** (max 5 pages) with two sections: - Education and Career Summary - Specific Contributions and Significance - **Case for Support** (max 10 pages): At least three letters of recommendation from professionals (audiologists, speech-language pathologists, or related fields) and, where appropriate, from service recipients or their families. - **Nominee’s vita** (optional; not counted toward 15-page limit but strongly encouraged). - All sections must be compiled into one PDF file, with 12-point uncondensed font and at least 1-inch margins. --- ## Additional Information - Absence of any required information will result in disqualification. - Past recipients and further details are available on the program website. --- ## External Links - [Program page and nomination instructions](https://www.ashfoundation.org/apply/frank-kleffner-lifetime-clinical-career-award/) - [Past award recipients](https://www.ashfoundation.org/apply/frank-kleffner-lifetime-clinical-career-award-recipients/) - [ASHFoundation grants and awards overview](https://www.ashfoundation.org/apply/#Awards) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |------------------------|------------------------------------------|-----------------| | ASHFoundation Programs | foundationprograms@asha.org | +1 301-296-8700 |

Frank R. Kleffner Lifetime Clinical Career Award - American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation

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