Inside Behavior Analysis
Volume 1 | 2009 | Number 1
Georgia ABA
By Jessica Pugh
The Georgia Association for Behavior Analysis (GABA) was founded in 2002. At that time, there were not many behavior analysts in Georgia. In fact, there were only three BCBA's in the entire state. However, there was a very loose-knit community of professionals and academics. Our beginnings were informal, largely consisting of social gatherings with some discussion about the state of behavior analysis in Georgia and whether an affiliated chapter would be beneficial. In the early 90's, there had actually been a state chapter, but interest had waned, members had moved away, and the chapter had dissolved within a few years.
Recreating a state chapter was met with some skepticism. However, a few individuals persisted, and a tenuous affiliated chapter was formed by 2002. The main objectives of the chapter were to provide: (1) a professional network and resource for behavior analysts in Georgia; (2) a forum for members to collaborate, disseminate recent research, share ideas, and discuss needs; (3) a voice to promote the ethical and effective use of behavior analysis; (4) a resource for those seeking ABA services in Georgia; (5) the organization of an annual regional ABA conference; and (6) a provider of continuing education for professionals in Georgia.
During the year since then, one of GABA's successes has been recruiting membership. At this time, there are over 79 members. While this is certainly a modest membership, we continue to grow and hope to increase membership substantially in the coming year. Certification in GA has also grown from three BCBA's in 2001 to 73 today (some of whom are BCABA's).
We are currently planning a one day conference for August 29, 2009, in Atlanta, Georgia. GABA has a team of members who are working hard to create a beneficial, rewarding, and informative environment in which behavior analysts in Georgia and surrounding states can come away feeling rejuvenated, equipped with new tools, and new connections to make a difference with the populations we serve. We have confirmed keynote speakers of Jon Bailey (Florida State University) and James Carr (Auburn University). There will be several other speakers as well as a poster session. All who are interested are welcome to attend.
Thus far, the main role of GABA in the development of behavior analysis in Georgia has largely been related to education and networking. Not surprisingly, some members are located at universities. Informing and involving students in behavior analysis has been very beneficial. We are working to include more students in our meetings and membership. Additionally, the professional network that GABA provides to behavior analysts has allowed many of us to discover that we are not as isolated in Georgia as we may have thought.
Because the number of behavior analysts with certification is growing so quickly, the demand for continuing education will increase as well. Consequently, meeting this need will also be a role for GABA in the future.