Newsletter
Volume 29 | 2006 | Number 2
Ontario ABA
By Dr. James C. K. Porter
The Ontario ABA (ONTABA) vision statement is one that reflects the organization’s values and recognizes the continuing growth in the field of behaviour analysis and the practice of applied behaviour analysis in the province of Ontario. Our vision statement is: “fostering a culture of excellence, integrity and expertise for the advancement and promotion of the science of behaviour analysis.” Our mission is: “to demonstrate leadership, knowledge, and training and research for the ethical and effective application of behaviour analysis” in Ontario.
ONTABA has worked diligently within the framework of its vision to further the ends embodied in its mission. This has been done in a number of ways over the past year. For instance, as a result of discussions with BACB, starting in July, a new opportunity will be offered to allow Ontario’s behaviour analysts to be certified. Analysts who meet necessary qualifications may be certified through a process of Alternative Pathways that recognize the unique experiential and educational circumstances of behaviour analysts in Ontario. In addition, through the Transitional Certification Committee, ONTABA is establishing a future certification process that will complement and enhance the BACB certification through Ontario-based ethical and jurisprudence testing, among other things.
ONTABA has been working in co-operation with provincial Ministry representatives to further ensure quality services in applied behaviour analysis in the province. ONTABA has also worked in an advisory capacity with the Ontario Autism Society and Ministry representatives on a special project in the field of autism in Ontario. Last year saw ONTABA's most successful conference with such renowned speakers as Dr. Brian Iwata and Dr. Philip Hineline. The excellence of the speakers helped to inspire the membership and the conference committee. It will be difficult to match the quality of the program, but this year’s conference committee seeks to exceed last year’s accomplishments.
Additionally in the past year, ONTABA established an Awards Committee to recognize the contributions of individuals and organizations to the field of Behaviour Analysis in the province of Ontario. As well, we have seen the creation of a Web site (www.ontaba.org) and a Public Policy Committee dedicated to researching and developing responses to issues of public policy that are related to the field of behaviour analysis.
The past year has seen much development in the advancement and recognition of behaviour analysis in Ontario and we hope that the coming year will be as productive. Some of the goals for the coming year include the implementation of the Ontario-based certification mentioned above and the establishment of the Ontario Certification Panel to oversee the Ontario-based certification. ONTABA will also continue to establish advisory relationships with government Ministries and educational institutions to facilitate the growing demands for qualified behaviour analysts in the province. In recognition of the richness of behaviour analysis, efforts will be made to broaden the membership base to include more members in the fields of mental health, acquired brain injury, education, and other areas while continuing to foster our strong autism-focused membership.
ONTABA looks forward to facing another year of growth in the organization and in the field of behaviour analysis in the province of Ontario.