Dr. Martha Taylor Sarno is a pioneer in helping people with aphasia — a language disorder often caused by stroke or brain injury. 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. 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 was always believed that people with aphasia deserved support, dignity, and the chance to communicate again.
Over the next few decades, Dr. Sarno published important research and advocated for a team-based approach to treating aphasia. She helped bring speech-language pathologists, doctors, psychologists, and families together to better support people with communication challenges.
Seeing the need for national advocacy, Dr. Sarno founded the NAA, 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 all things NAA!
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. Her example has helped shift public understanding of aphasia and inspires countless professionals in the field.
This pride was reflected back to her with the establishment of the Martha Taylor Sarno Advocacy Award, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the NAA.
This annual award recognizes an individual who best represents the NAA’s mission of promoting public awareness and understanding of aphasia. An advocate who champions a cause for the greater good of the community impacted, often generously sharing their own journey as a source of connection and true understanding.
2008: Dr. Eliot Roth
2022 (Inaugural): Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords
2023: General Michael and Jeanine Hayden & Emma Heming Willis
2024: Angelique Cauthorn
Watch Martha Taylor Sarno share a statement celebrating the 35th anniversary of the National Aphasia Association.
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