[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.

[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").

In 1995, the board of directors decided to drop that name as well, since it did not fit with current values.

[8] TASH publishes a quarterly scholarly journal, Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, and a popular magazine, Connections.