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 Valuing Diversity and Equity in Behavior Analysis: Actions Speak Louder Than Words |
| Monday, May 27, 2019 |
| 8:00 AM–8:50 AM |
| Fairmont, B2, Imperial Ballroom |
| Area: CSS; Domain: Service Delivery |
| Chair: So Ra Kang (University of Souther California) |
| Discussant: Evelyn Rachael Gould (McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School; FirstSteps for Kids, Inc.) |
| CE Instructor: Evelyn Rachael Gould, Ph.D. |
| Abstract: Addressing issues of diversity and equity is an ongoing process that requires intentional goal-setting, committed action, and ongoing evaluation. As a field, we have embraced diversity as a value, however greater individual awareness and training are needed to increase engagement in values-directed behaviors by individuals. The aim of this symposium is to discuss key data and research related to increasing diversity and equity in Applied Behavior Analysis; specifically issues related to race, gender, socioeconomic background, and sexual orientation will be discussed. The symposium will open with a detailed discussion of cultural competency with respect to transgender individuals, followed by a paper examining an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach to increasing awareness of privilege and committed action with respect to increasing cultural competency as an ABA practitioner. Following a review of relevant data and research, each paper will discuss key ethical and practical concerns related to the topic, and make recommendations regarding specific actions that might benefit consumers and create a more inclusive and empowering environment for ABA staff, students, and practitioners. |
| Instruction Level: Basic |
| Keyword(s): ACT, cultural competence, diversity, values |
| Target Audience: BCBAs, BCaBAs, Graduate students, Psychologists, Researchers, Academics |
| Learning Objectives: 1) Identify ethical and practical issues of diversity and equity within ABA 2) Explain how issues of diversity and equity can be understood from a behavior analytic perspective 3) Identify ways applied behavior analysts can create contexts that promote diversity and equity |
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| My Pronouns Are She/Her: Transgender Cultural Competence |
| KRISTEN LANCASTER (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology) |
| Abstract: This discussion paper will define and differentiate gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation specific to the transgender and gender-nonconforming community. Relevant research and data will be presented to highlight the unique needs of transgender individuals and the common barriers that impact their access to healthcare and behavioral health services. Tying in the BACB ethics code, specific action steps will be outlined to promote cultural sensitivity and competence, with a highlight on navigating pronouns. |
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| Cultural Competence Needs ACTion |
| DENISHA GINGLES (Signature Behavior Analytic Services) |
| Abstract: Despite policy statements from our leading organizations declaring the importance of diversity, inclusion and cultural competence, a lack of training standards and practice guidelines means clinicians are unprepared to take effective steps to actually achieve a more diverse and equitable field. This paper will review publicly declared values of diversity and equity, and provide recommendations for how practitioners and researchers can uphold and advance our mission of helping others and creating a better world. The paper will explore how an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach might foster cultural competency and committed action in behavior analysts. Audience members will be encouraged to clarify personal values around diversity and equity, identify potentially problematic rules and rule deriving related to privilege and bias, and engage in specific behaviors that might move us towards a more diverse and equitable field. |
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