TASH is an international advocacy association of people with disabilities, their family members, other advocates, and people who work in the disability field.[1] The mission of TASH is to promote the full inclusion and participation of children and adults with significant disabilities in every aspect of their community, and to eliminate social injustices that diminish human rights.[2][3][4] TASH operates as a 501(c)(3)non-profit organization.[5] It has over 30 chapters, a committee structure (e.g., community living, and housing subcommittee) and members in 34 countries and territories and is headquartered at 2013 H Street NW, Suite 715, Washington, D.C. 20006.
TASH was founded in 1975 under the name "American Association for the Education of the Severely / Profoundly Handicapped" ("AAESPH").[6] The name was changed to "The Association for the Severely Handicapped" (TASH) in 1980, and again to the name The Association for Persons with Severe Handicaps in 1983. In 1995, the board of directors decided to drop that name as well, since it did not fit with current values.[7] The name TASH is still used due to its high name recognition.[8]
^Agran, Martin; Brown, Fredda; Hughes, Carolyn; Quirk, Carol; Ryndak, Diane Lea (2014). Equity and Full Participation for Individuals with Severe Disabilities: A Vision for the Future. Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.
^Agran, Martin; Spooner, Fred; Gee, Katherine; et al., eds. (2015). TASH: 40 Years of Progressive Leadership. Virginia Beach, Virginia: Donning Company Publishers. ISBN978-1-57864-985-3.
^Sontag, Ed; Haring, Norris G. (March 1996). "The Professionalization of Teaching and Learning for Children with Severe Disabilities: The Creation of TASH". Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities. 21 (1): 39–45. doi:10.1177/154079699602100107. S2CID143591603.
