Dr. Martha Taylor Sarno and the Advocacy Award

Dr. Martha Taylor Sarno

Dr. Martha Taylor Sarno is a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and the founder of the NAA. Her work revolutionized how aphasia is treated and understood across the country.

Dr. Sarno began working at the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine at NYU in 1949. At a time when little was known about how to help adults with aphasia, she built one of the first full rehabilitation programs in the country. She believed that people with aphasia deserved support, dignity, and the chance to communicate again in a meaningful way.

Over the next few decades, Dr. Sarno published important research and advocated for a team-based approach to treating aphasia. She helped bring SLPs, doctors, psychologists, and families together to better support people with communication challenges.

Seeing the need for national advocacy, Dr. Sarno founded the NAA in 1987. The NAA was the first organization in the U.S. dedicated to helping people with aphasia and their families. She served as the first President of the Board and worked to raise awareness, connect people to resources, and support research. She remains a steadfast supporter and cheerleader for the NAA and aphasia community.

Dr. Sarno has received many honors for her work, including the Daily Point of Light Award, honors from the Academy of Aphasia, and countless research publications and educational leadership recognition.

The Martha Taylor Sarno Advocacy Award

The Martha Taylor Sarno Advocacy Award is the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the NAA.

This annual award recognizes an individual with aphasia who best represents the NAA’s mission of promoting public awareness and understanding of aphasia.

We have closed nominations for the 2026 award.  Stay tuned to learn about this year’s winner and impressive nominees!