Association for Behavior Analysis International

Behavior analysts have an ethical duty to disseminate the science and practice of behavior analysis to the public, including third-party funders and government agencies. The success of such initiatives has been observed in the widespread adoption of funding for applied behavior analytic (ABA) services for the autism community in the United States. Given this funding, behavior analysts have become synonymous with treatment for the autism community. However, behavior analytic technologies can positively impact a wide variety of populations and behaviors at both an individual and societal level. Behavior analysts would benefit from learning the skills to promote the expansion of services to other areas. This panel, sponsored by the Behaviorists for Social Responsibility Special Interest Group and Values to Action, will explore the lessons learned from advocacy for securing ABA funding for the autism community and discuss common obstacles to accessing funding, as well as opportunities for expansion of public advocacy for ABA practices into other social services (e.g., juvenile justice, child welfare, mental health) and social justice areas (e.g., racial justice, discrimination, health and education equity) through advocacy in local, state, and the federal government.

Interested individuals should have a basic understanding of behavior analytic concepts and principles.