Newsletter
Volume 28 | 2005 | Number 1
This first issue each year of the ABA Newsletter traditionally highlights ABA’s upcoming annual convention. This newsletter is no exception: It opens with a full section about the 2005 SABA Awards, invited events and tutorials, and convention highlights. We expect over 4,000 participants from more than 30 countries, including representatives of 22 special interest groups, 53 affiliated chapters, 11 organizational members, and 17 accredited graduate training programs. Behavior analysts from all over the world will meet to present talks and posters, network, rekindle friendships, and enjoy Chicago. Employers, and job applicants will have a venue to meet and discuss employment opportunities; and avid readers will enjoy the bookstore, which will offer more than 1,000 titles. There will be over 90 convention events and 81 pre-convention workshops for attendees interested in continuing education opportunities.
ABA is greatly indebted to Ramona Houmanfar and Bill Palya, Co-Chairs of the ABA Program Committee, for their tireless efforts in overseeing the production of such a rich, successful program. The Program Area Coordinators, as well, have made significant contributions through their initiatives and careful attention to the scheduling of their areas, and for their efforts to recruit and encourage so many fine events. Many thanks to: Jack Scott (Autism), Amy Odum (Behavioral Pharmacology), Kelly Wilson (Clinical; Family; Behavioral Medicine), Janet Ellis and Maria Ruiz (Community Interventions; Social and Ethical Issues), Kent Johnson (Developmental Disabilities), Jacob Gewirtz and Martha Pelaez (Human Development; Gerontology), Bill Palya (Experimental Analysis of Behavior), Tim Slocum (Education), John Austin (Organizational Behavior Management), Thomas A. Brigham (Teaching Behavior Analysis), David Palmer (Theoretical, Philosophical, and Conceptual Issues) and Genae Hall (Verbal Behavior).
Last year for the first time, ABA offered an organizational membership category in an effort to support organizations who use behavior analysis in their services. The second section of the newsletter introduces ABA’s first nine 2005 organizational members and provides background about their work and services; their inclusion does not imply ABA’s endorsement. Articles are included from Applied Behavior Consultants, the Autism Education Network, the Center for Autism and Related Disorders, the Connecticut Center for Child Development, Coyne and Associates, Institute of Professional Practice, Melmark, The New England Center for Children, and Shema Kolainu.
This issue also recognizes a great loss to the behavioral community. Dr. Ogden Lindsley died this past November, and his passing is mourned by family and numerous friends and colleagues. Malcolm D. Neely, Kent Johnson, and Nancy Hughes prepared a written memorial to him, and we thank them and all those who have been gracious enough to contribute words celebrating Og’s life and accomplishments.
The final section of the ABA newsletter includes news from the behavioral community and all of the forms you will need to continue your membership and register for the 31st annual convention in Chicago, IL this coming May.
Maria E. Malott, Ph.D.
ABA Executive Director/Secretary Treasurer