Newsletter
Volume 29 | 2006 | Number 2
Vermont ABA
By David Powsner
We are a relatively new chapter, founded in December of 2004. Accordingly, our initial efforts have been directed towards building a membership base, defining our mission, and getting initial implementation activities off the ground.
Vermont ABA’s (VABA) mission statement includes the following:
- to promote the development of behavior analysis services within the state of Vermont;
- to support the development of professional accreditation for the practice of behavior analysis within the state of Vermont;
- to support the development of standards of practice for behavior analysis within the state of Vermont;
- to provide and promote educational opportunities regarding behavior analysis on both a professional and general information level to the membership of VABA and to the public at large; and
- to promote and support the conduct of behavior analytic research within the state of Vermont.
In pursuit of this mission, we are engaged in several ongoing activities. A committee of the board is researching existing Vermont statutes covering professional licensure, reviewing similar efforts in other states, building relationships with legislators who may be willing to sponsor legislation, and working on the content of such legislation.
We are working to increase our membership by disseminating information about VABA through as many venues as possible. For example, we have an established electronic mail network for members and interested parties. We anticipate that our training activities during the coming year will build both membership and interest in applied behavior analysis. Also, our developing Web site includes a calendar and news of upcoming events. We also provide discussion forums that can facilitate open discussion of ABA issues and practices.
Our goals for the coming year include:
- initiation of training in ABA practices and procedures for education and mental health personnel;
- the advancement of the establishment of the “BCBA†credential as a Vermont state credential;
- continued expansion of membership;
- expansion of our Web site use and capabilities;
- increase in public awareness of applied behavior analysis and its potential benefits.
We were pleased to welcome Susan Wilczynski, Ph.D., BCBA of the National Autism Center (NAC) as speaker at our annual membership meeting on June 28, 2006. Dr. Wilczynski spoke on evidence-based practice and the work of the NAC.
Any individual residing or working in Vermont who supports the Vermont ABA mission may join. Interested parties can find a printable membership application and instructions for mailing at our Web site: http://vaba.info/.