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 Promoting Cultural Sensitivity in Behavior Analytic Practice: Lessons Learned From Service Delivery in Africa and the Middle East |
| Sunday, May 29, 2022 |
| 10:00 AM–10:50 AM |
| Meeting Level 2; Room 252B |
| Area: DDA; Domain: Service Delivery |
| Chair: Loukia Tsami (University of Houston, Clear Lake) |
| Discussant: Margaret Uwayo (Young Women's Christian Services (YWCA) & KABAS) |
| CE Instructor: Margaret Uwayo, Ph.D. |
| Abstract: Increasingly, applied behavior analytic services are disseminated worldwide. While recipients of behavior analytic interventions continue to increase in diversity, there has been limited literature on the efficacy of culturally adapted services for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, for practitioners, there is minimal guidance on how to demonstrate cultural sensitivity during assessment, treatment, and staff supervision. In this symposium, presenters discuss a culturally responsive treatment model that may be utilized to promote cultural sensitivity when serving economically and ethnically diverse individuals. Presenters will highlight lessons learned using data from case studies in Liberia, Botswana, Kenya, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Social validity outcomes and recommendations for practitioners will be discussed. |
| Instruction Level: Intermediate |
| Keyword(s): cultural sensitivity, diversity, supervision, telehealth |
| Target Audience: Intermediate (1) audience should be familiar with the ABA code of ethics, and in particular, understand the importance of scope of practice (2) audience should have a general understanding of culture as defined by B. F. Skinner (1953) and cultural awareness from existing ABA literature |
| Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will able able to: (1) provide at least 2 examples of culturally responsive practices in ABA; (2) discuss at least 1 way culturally responsive practice may impact treatment adherence; (3) state 2 considerations for BCBAs serving diverse populations. |
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| Cultural Adaptations and Findings During Behavior Analytic Service Delivery to Professionals and Families in Africa |
| LOUKIA TSAMI (University of Houston, Clear Lake), Maleshwane Mauco (Africa Behavior Analysis Services), Dorothea C. Lerman (University of Houston-Clear Lake) |
| Abstract: Provision of behavior analytic services via telehealth from practitioners located in the United States to clients living in other countries has been increasing (Tsami et al, 2019). However, there is limited literature on the need and effectiveness of cultural adaptations required to promote cultural humility. In this project, supported by the Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis (SABA) International Development Grant, behavior analysts located in the U.S. and Middle East conducted online educational presentations to caregivers and professionals who work with individuals with disabilities in Kenya and Liberia, and selected four families to receive individualized parent training via telehealth. Furthermore, through collaboration with a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst in Botswana, 20 teachers and professionals received training both in person and via telehealth to reach Behavioral Technician (BT) competency level. During this presentation, we describe the cultural adaptations and findings needed for the informative presentations, the behavior analytic services provided to the families, and BT competency trainings. Testimonies and social validity data indicate that this cultural adaptation model can be effective in demonstrating cultural humility when services are provided to professionals and caregivers in different countries. The discussion includes recommendations to practitioners in the U.S. for clients with diverse cultural histories. |
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| Cultural Considerations When Providing Behavioral Analytic Services in the United Arab Emirates |
| JERBOR T NELSON (Health Innovation of America (HIA)) |
| Abstract: According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), there are currently 139 active Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), serving a population of over 10 million. Out of the 10 million, about 89% of the population are expatriates, representing more than 50 countries, most notably India, Pakistan, Bangladesh amongst others. With such a large variety of cultures, religions, and backgrounds, BCBAs often need to account for a variety of cultural variables when providing behavioral analytic services. Of the many variables to consider, the behavioral analyst should be mindful of the cultural conditioning as it relates to race, gender, nationality, religious affiliation, economic net worth, cultural values, and more, when providing behavioral analytic services. Furthermore, supervisors should develop a framework for organizational interactions and training that encompasses these cultural considerations. During this presentation, we will discuss the lived experiences of a behavior analyst who was born in Liberia, studied in the US, and is currently practicing in the UAE. We will analyze the cultural adaptations a practitioner should consider and provide potential concessions that should be taken in order to provide sound behavioral analytic services in the UAE. |
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