Inside Behavior Analysis
Volume 1 | 2009 | Number 1
South Carolina ABA
By Pat McCarthy
For a couple of years, a group of professionals and parents from South Carolina who were involved with applied behavior analysis discussed the need for an organization to advocate for quality ABA-related services. They often sought information and guidance through their welcoming neighbors involved in NCABA. After a few bumps and false starts, the South Carolina Chapter of the Association for Behavior Analysis was formed in February, 2008, during the NCABA conference at Wrightsville Beach. The group of South Carolina behavior analysts initiating the application to submit to ABA International were seeking an avenue for statewide sharing of ideas and a way to promote quality ABA-based programming in South Carolina at a time when funding was becoming increasingly available to families, yet qualified providers were still scarce.
The first step taken by the founding officers (Pat McCarthy, President; Angie Slice-Jones, Vice President; and May Baird, Secretary/Treasurer) was to develop a mission statement which supported the needs that had been identified by those seeking a formal organization. The adopted mission statement is to promote the awareness and use of the principles and practices of applied behavior analysis in the delivery of treatment and psychological support services in natural environments. In carrying out this mission, SCABA hopes to (a) provide a framework for sharing of information and ideas amongst those who are involved or would like to become involved in effective, ethical ABA-based programming; (b) support the partnership between parents and providers involved in ABA-based service delivery; (c) encourage quality ABA-based research within the state; and (d) promote socially validated and evidence-based interventions which maintain the dignity of the individuals involved.
SCABA plans to meet quarterly with a typical agenda lasting four hours, including a business meeting plus one or more members presenting current ABA-based research and/or programs currently in South Carolina or our neighboring states. After three full membership meetings, SCABA has thirty-eight registered members.
The first meeting was held in October, 2008, in conjunction with the South Carolina Autism Society’s annual conference. Only a business meeting over lunch was conducted since many members were attending the conference. The program consisted a review of the history of the SCABA formation, an inspection of the mission and by-laws, and a brainstorming session on the future format of meetings.
The second quarterly meeting was held in January, 2009. As spelled out in the Bylaws, nominations for a new Vice President were taken, so that the membership would be allowed to vote for an officer within the first year, followed by voting for the other two officers the second year. Angie Slice Jones had agreed to serve as SCABA’s start-up Vice President until this first election. Following this election, she was replaced by Christian Martin for the 2009 calendar year. He will advance to President in January 2010, then to Past President in 2011. The program for this second meeting consisted of two presenters. Secretary/Treasurer May Baird presented the research project that she had presented at the ABAI Conference in Chicago. She was followed by Christian Martin, who led the group in a lively discussion surrounding the current literature/research involving ABA.
The third meeting of SCABA was held in April 2009. At this meeting, Chairpersons for two new committees were introduced. Stacey Sherman was introduced as the Chair of the Legislative Update Committee and Barbara Agnello was announced as the Chair of the BACB Update Committee. Following the business meeting, SCABA member Barbara Agnello presented the research from UNC- Charlotte involving the Access to General Education Curriculum for Students with Significant Cognitive Impairments funded by a partnership between NAAC and Project Mastery. A second presentation was conducted by SCABA member Jay Cole. He discussed the evolution of his clinic to serve children ages six and under who have a diagnosis of autism and their ABA-based interventions and success.
The next quarterly meeting was held in July, 2009, and highlighted member Hugh Wilson’s dissertation research conducted in ABA-based classrooms. In the afternoon, SCABA hosted an ethics workshop for behavior analysts, taught by Duke Schell, Past President of NCABA. Plans are being made for this workshop to provide the opportunity for BACB CEUs.
Since SCABA is in its infancy, our role and possibilities are still evolving. All the SCABA officers attended the ABAI Convention in Phoenix, along with several other members. Information gathered from the national office and other states has helped SCABA form ways to carry out its mission. The group will once again hold the October meeting in conjunction with the South Carolina Autism Society conference. We also hope to develop a Web site and brochure sometime within the year. Additionally, plans have been discussed for the development of a list of SCABA members and the type of ABA-based services that they provide to be shared with families and agencies seeking assistance.
SCABA welcomes new members. Membership is open to anyone within the state of South Carolina who is interested in the application of the principles and procedures of behavior analysis. If you are interested in hearing more about SCABA, being placed on the mailing list for announcements of meetings and events, and/or would like to receive a membership application, please send an e-mail to patmccarthy@sc.rr.com