Inside Behavior Analysis
Volume 3 | 2011 | Number 2 | Online ISSN: 2151-4704
Florida ABA
By Kevin Murdock
FABA celebrated its 30th Annual Meeting on October 6–9, 2010, at the Hilton in the Walt Disney World Resort. The keynote speaker was the dynamic Scott Geller of Virginia Tech. His keynote topic was how to cultivate courage, compassion, and self-motivation in an actively caring culture. Excellent invited presentations also were provided by Keith Allen, Greg Madden, Tristram Smith, and Clive Wynne.
The conference was attended by approximately 900 members and featured 60 sessions, 19 pre- or post-conference workshops, and 19 posters. Many notable behavior analysts presented including, but not limited to, (alphabetically) Jon Bailey, Vince Carbone, Ennio Cipani, Jeannie Golden, Ray Miltenberger, Jim Partington, Tim Vollmer, and David Wilder. A special tribute honored Murray Sidman for his significant contributions to the field and many individuals; Jan Montgomery's presidential address covered important opportunities to spread the impact of behavior analysis.
The Florida Legislature is in session as this update is being written. FABA's Executive Committee and Political Action Committee (PAC) have the good fortune of being guided by the superb lobbyist Eric Prutsman. The PAC and Eric have been extra busy this past year addressing severe rate cuts affecting behavioral and other critical services for persons with developmental disabilities, plus legislation regarding restraint and seclusion use in public schools. Some related bills are still active so the PAC and Eric remain hard at work.
The Florida Legislature is expected to again officially proclaim the first week of September 2011 as "Florida Behavior Analysis Week." A few weeks later, FABA will have its 31st annual meeting on September 21–24, 2011, at the Hilton Ocean Walk Resort in beautiful Daytona Beach. An outstanding conference has been planned and will kick off with a full day of workshops on Wednesday followed by the traditional Hospitality Suite. Two full days of sessions will occur on Thursday and Friday. The conference will wrap up with additional workshops on Saturday morning.
The keynote speaker will be Greg Hanley of Western New England College. Other invited presentations will be provided by James Carr, Harvey Jacobs, Karen Pryor, and Ron Van Houten. David Wilder will present the presidential address. Many other excellent speakers will address a wide range of topics addressing effective and ethical professional practice, scientific research, developmental disabilities, autism, verbal behavior, education, parenting, organizational behavior management, and animal training and welfare. Favorite and new events are planned throughout the conference to enhance networking opportunities and to make the conference enjoyable, informative, and productive for participants. Members may bring family members and significant others and stay an extra night or two for some vacation time. The Hilton is just a few steps away from the beach, close to many theme parks and attractions, and just a short drive to Cape Canaveral. As always, the FABA store will feature a wide array of custom behavioral clothing, literature, and gift items.
To learn more about FABA and its upcoming conference, go to www.FABAworld.org or contact Executive Director Kevin Murdock at kmurdock@usf.edu, or Secretary/Treasurer-Media Coordinator Jon Bailey at jonbailey1@mac.com.