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

April 15, 2026

No monetary prize; recipients receive a commemorative art object and recognition plaque.

Honors individuals with 20+ years of outstanding contributions to clinical excellence in communication sciences and disorders.

--- ## Description This award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional and sustained contributions to the science and clinical practice of communication sciences and disorders for at least 20 years. The focus is on honoring those whose work—through clinical service, supervision, administration, or clinical research—has significantly advanced excellence in audiology and/or speech-language pathology. The award celebrates leadership, innovation, and dedication to improving clinical outcomes and furthering the mission of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation. --- ## Due Dates - April 15, 2026: Nomination / full application deadline --- ## Funding Amount - This is a recognition award; it does **not** include a monetary prize. - Awardees receive a commemorative art object and a recognition plaque. --- ## Eligibility - Nominee must have made outstanding contributions to clinical practice in communication sciences and disorders over a period of at least 20 years. - Contributions may be in clinical service, supervision, administration, clinical research, or other activities promoting clinical excellence. - The nominee's work may be based anywhere in the world. - Contributions must have significantly impacted recipients of service and improved the quality of clinical care in audiology and/or speech-language pathology. - Nominee does **not** need to be a member of a professional association but should exemplify the ideals of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. --- ## Application Process - Nominations must be submitted online via the [ASHFoundation award page](https://www.ashfoundation.org/apply/frank-kleffner-lifetime-clinical-career-award/). - Required materials: - **Nomination and Summary Form** (online): Includes nominee and nominator contact information and a brief summary statement of achievements. - **Nomination Document** (single PDF, max 15 pages, 12-point font, 1-inch margins): - **Nomination Narrative** (max 5 pages): Includes Education and Career Summary, and Specific Contributions and Significance. - **Case for Support** (max 10 pages): At least three letters of recommendation from professionals or service recipients/families. - **Nominee's vita** (optional; not counted in the 15-page limit). - All components must be compiled into one PDF and uploaded online. --- ## Additional Information - The award is named in honor of Frank R. Kleffner, a leader in the field and former ASHFoundation president. - Past recipients include leaders in audiology and speech-language pathology who have transformed clinical care and research. - The award is highly competitive and recognizes a single individual annually. --- ## External Links - [Award Details 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, Scholarships, and Awards](https://www.ashfoundation.org/apply/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |------------------------------|---------------------------------------|-----------------| | ASHFoundation Programs Team | foundationprograms@asha.org | +1 301-296-8700 |

Frank R. Kleffner Lifetime Clinical Career Award

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