ANNOUNCE: Early Registration for 2010 ABA International Autism Conference Ends Soon!

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has sent out a reminder of the December 18, 2009 early registration deadline for the two-day single-track event,

ABA International 2010 Autism Conference 

Translational Science and Effective Practice
Friday, January 22 – Sunday, January 24, 2010
Location: Hyatt Regency Chicago

To register

Hotel and travel information for the conference

( To obtain the special group rate for accommodations at the time of reservation, attendees must mention that they are with the Association for Behavior Analysis International. Cut off date for the group rate is December 30, 2009, although it is recommended that reservations be made as soon as possible).

BACB & APA CE credit is available for the presentations

An abbreviated description of the Autism Conference is below.

A full schedule for the conference is also available on the web

Friday January 22, 2010
Evening

• Opening Reception, 
• Poster Session 1
• Exhibitors, Bookstore, and 
• Author Signing Fair (8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.)
  

Saturday January 23, 2010

Opening Remarks

• Travis Thompson, Ph.D. (University of Minnesota) and Gregory P. Hanley, Ph.D., BCBA (Western New England College)

Morning session
Chair: Gregory P. Hanley, Ph.D., BCBA (Western New England College)

• Early Behavioral Intervention and Family Psychological Adjustment.
  Bob Remington, Ph.D. (University of Southampton)
  
  
• A Comparison of Methods for Collecting Data on Students' Performance During Discrete Trial Teaching.
  Dorothea C. Lerman, Ph.D., BCBA (University of Houston, Clear Lake)
  
  
• Intensive Early Behavioral Intervention and Brain Development.
  Travis Thompson, Ph.D. (University of Minnesota)
  
  
• Discussion and Audience Q & A
  Craig H. Kennedy, Ph.D., BCBA (Vanderbilt University) 

Afternoon session
Chair: William L. Heward, Ed.D., BCBA (The Ohio State University)

• Augmentative Communication Strategies with Children with Autism and Severe Disability.
  Joe Reichle, Ph.D. (University of Minnesota)
  
  
• A Standardized Approach for Individualizing School-Based Interventions for the Challenging Behaviors of Students with Autism.
  Glen Dunlap, Ph.D. (University of South Florida)
  
  
• Identifying Effective and Preferred Behavior-Change Programs: A Case for the Objective Measurement of Social Validity.
  Gregory P. Hanley, Ph.D., BCBA (Western New England College)
  
  
• Discussion and Audience Q & A
  Dorothea C. Lerman, Ph.D., BCBA (University of Houston, Clear Lake)
  

Evening

• Poster Session 2
  

Sunday January 24, 2010
Morning session
Chair: Travis Thompson, Ph.D. (University of Minnesota)

• The Science and Practice of Discrete-Trial Training: Why Some Teaching Procedures Are More Effective Than Others.
  Kathryn Saunders, Ph.D., (University of Kansas)
  
  
• Assessment and Treatment of Feeding Problems in Autism.
  Cathleen C. Piazza, Ph.D., (Munroe-Meyer Institute)
  
  
• Interaction of Health Conditions and Environmental Factors in Challenging Behavior in Autism.
  Craig H. Kennedy, Ph.D., BCBA (Vanderbilt University)
  
  
• Discussion, Audience Q & A, and Closing Remarks
  Gregory P. Hanley, Ph.D., BCBA (Western New England College) and Travis Thompson, Ph.D. (University of Minnesota)
  

For questions or assistance, please contact  convention@abainternational.org.

Association for Behavior Analysis International
550 West Centre Ave, Suite 1
Portage, MI 49024
Phone: 269-492-9310
Fax: 269-492-9316
http://www.abainternational.org

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Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG
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Views and news expressed in this blog or by the PIBA SIG are those of the SIG and SIG members and do not represent official policy of ABA International or other official body. For official policy of the Association of Behavior Analysis International, the reader is directed to their website, http://www.abainternational.org

ABAI NEWSFLASH: New Practice Resources at ABA International!

During the Annual Convention in Phoenix, there were many meetings on the question of practice, and related issues of advocacy, potential licensure, as well as presentations on the state of practice and relevant developments, such as the current spate of autism insurance reform bills.

One of the new developments is a slew of resources for practitioners, listed on the Practice Resources page at the ABA International website,
http://www.abainternational.org/BA/practice.asp

Although members are urged to review as much of the page as is possible, I want to highlight a few items of note,

"New Services for ABAI affiliated chapters and organizational members",
http://www.abainternational.org/BA/practice/Malott-Services.pdf

To clarify informally--formal questions should go to ABAI, the reference on page 3, "Training is complimentary", refers to the One Day Training for Chapters, with reduced fees for those Chapter reps who choose to stay over in Chicago for the Autism Conference itself.

Under the Licensing category, see

Raymond Fowler's Discussion on Licensure to ABAI Affiliated Chapter and SIG Leaders
http://www.abainternational.org/BA/practice/Fowler-Licensure.pdf

and some resources for advocacy,

Legistlative Advocacy Handbook

Legistlative Advocacy PowerPoint

As previously stated, take the time to get acquainted with the new resources and opportunities developed during the previous year and shared at the Convention!

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Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG
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Views and news expressed in this blog or by the PIBA SIG are those of the SIG and SIG members and do not represent official policy of ABA International or other official body. For official policy of the Association of Behavior Analysis International, the reader is directed to their website, http://www.abainternational.org

ABA-I NEWSFLASH & ACTION: From the GAC, "ABAI Legislative Agenda"

Received 5/5/09 on the behavioranalysisandpublicpolicy yahoogroup

To: ABAI State Affiliate Chapters Governmental Affairs Representatives
Members of the ABAI PIBA SIG
From: Michael F. Dorsey, Ph.D., BCBA, Chair, Governmental Affairs Committee
Re: ABAI Legislative Agenda

I am writing to inform you of the newly established process adopted by the ABAI Practice Board to prepare a comprehensive agenda of critical bills for ABAI. The process, as described below, begins with the submission of bills recommended to be considered by members of ABAI as well as key constituents, to the Governmental Affairs Committee of the Practice Board. While bills may be submitted to the GAC at the annual meeting, it is my hope that you will forward copies of any bills you wish to have considered to our email address at abaipracticeboardgac@gmail.com in advance of the meeting so that the members of the GAC will have time to review the bills prior to the meeting.

The GAC will be meeting in a joint meeting with the ABAI PIBA SIG on Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 7:30 PM in North 224A. Please join us for this open meeting.


Governmental Affairs Committee
ABAI Practice Board
Legislative Review Process

1. The Governmental Affairs Committee will review and adopt, on an annual basis, bills presented to the Committee by the members of ABAI for the establishment of a Legislative agenda for ABAI, based on the following model:

1. A three tiered system that includes one “Priority Bill,” three to five “Supported Bills,” and an undefined number of “Endorsed Bills.”

2. At an annual open meeting of the Governmental affairs Committee, held during the ABAI Conference, the members of the Governmental affairs Committee will meet to review and discuss bills submitted by members or stake holders that fall within the scope of the profession of Applied Behavior Analysis and, if enacted, may either enhance or detract from ability to practice;
3. The Governmental Affairs Committee will identify a slate of such bills critical for the support of the practice of Applied Behavior Analysis and make recommendations relative to their support or opposition to the Practice Board.

i. The Priority Bill will be the center piece of the ABAI Legislative agenda. The Governmental affairs committee will notify the sponsoring agencies/legislators of the action taken in identifying the legislation as the Priority Bill for ABAI for the year. This will allow the use of the name of ABAI to be used in all correspondence, etc. related to this bill. Additionally members of the committee will be available to testify at hearings, submit written statements related to the bills, make phone contacts with appropriate legislators, and activate the phone/email alert system to prompt ABAI members to contact their legislators indicating the position of ABAI on this particular bill, etc.

ii. Three to five Supported Bills will be treated in a similar manner to the Priority Bill, with the exception that committee members will not be available to testify on behalf of the bill(s).

iii. An undetermined number of Endorsed Bills will be identified which the committee believes are important to the practice of Applied Behavior Analysis, but do not rise to the level of importance which justifies the expenditure of the time or resources focused on the Priority of Supported Bills. The single level of support for bills identified in this category will be to notify the sponsoring agencies/legislator s of the action taken in identifying the legislation as an Endorsed Bill for ABAI for the year. This will allow the use of the name of ABAI to be used in all correspondence, etc. related to this bill.

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Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG
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Views and news expressed in this blog or by the PIBA SIG are those of the SIG and SIG members and do not represent official policy of ABA International or other official body. For official policy of the Association of Behavior Analysis International, the reader is directed to their website, http://www.abainternational.org

ABA-I NEWSFLASH: Meeting change for the PIBA-SIG at ABA Conference, Phoenix

UPDATE: 5/5/09--See this post for the newest info on the content of the joint meeting of the GAC and the PIBA-SIG. The agenda will be discussion of legislative priorities, and members are requested to submit legislation and other policy priorities in advance of the meeting on May 23, 2009. The below info on the meeting place and time still applies.

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This afternoon the President of the PIBA-SIG, Mike Weinberg, Ph.D, BCBA-D, announced that there's a change from our original meeting place and format at the ABA International annual conference in Phoenix.

Those who are participants, or would like to be participants, in the PIBA-SIG are invited to attend the joint meeting of the SIG and the Governmental Affairs Committee of the new ABA International Practice Board

This joint meeting is scheduled for

Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 7:30 - 8:20p.m.
New meeting place: North 224A
(this is the venue under #103 Business Meeting, ABAI Governmental Affairs Committee).

Topics of discussion are common interests and how the PIBA-SIG and the Practice Board can work together to achieve our objectives and goals.

We will also be able to hold elections and vote on some other issues that are critical to the future of the field of applied behavior analysis.

This is an exciting opportunity that many are encouraged to attend. Please pass this information along to any who might be interested.

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Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG
-----------
Views and news expressed in this blog or by the PIBA SIG are those of the SIG and SIG members and do not represent official policy of ABA International or other official body. For official policy of the Association of Behavior Analysis International, the reader is directed to their website, http://www.abainternational.org

Events of interest to PIBA-SIG members at ABA Phoenix

Because of the many events of interest at the Annual Conference in Phoenix, the reader is directed to
Check out the page at our website

Where we've collected a list that might be particularly interesting to members of this SIG, and others who have interest in policy and practice matters.

For the Business meetings, and the PIBA-SIG meeting times, please see,
PIBA-SIG business & other mtgs at ABA Phoenix

Below are highlighted a couple of events of interest because of the current ongoing legislative action towards insurance funding of behavior analytic services to children with autism, and the developments towards licensure of professionals in Behavior Analysis.

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#288 Special Event
5/24/2009
4:00 p.m. - 5:20 p.m.
North 120 D
AUT

Legal Reform and Autism: How to Shape Public Policy

Chair: Jonathan J. Tarbox (Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Inc.)
LORRI UNUMB (Senior Policy Advisor and Counsel, Autism Speaks)

Abstract:
It is clear that Autism Speaks and ABAI have much in common in working together to ensure that all children diagnosed with autism are provided appropriate services and that the insurance mandate bills, both at the state and federal levels, are passed. She will provide a clear picture of the state of the situation, as well as advocacy efforts that we behavior analysts can engage in to help this effort.

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#482 Panel Discussion
5/25/2009
4:00 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.
North 120 D
OTH/CSE; Service Delivery
BACB CE Offered. CE Instructor: Michael Weinberg, Ph.D., BCBA
Licensing of Behavior Analysis: Protecting the Profession and the Public

Chair: Michael Weinberg (Orlando Behavior Health Services, LLC)
MICHAEL F. DORSEY (The Vinfen Corporation and Endicott College)
THOMAS L. ZANE (Sage Colleges)
MICHAEL WEINBERG (Orlando Behavior Health Services, LLC)

Abstract:
Panelists in this presentation will discuss future directions for the field with regard to licensure of behavior analysts. The panel will discuss why the time has come in the evolution of the field to pursue licensure as the next step in the process. An examination and discussion of legal and ethical issues will be presented along with how to pursue proposing and passing licensure legislation, how licensure ensures protection of the public, and requirements and standards being proposed for becoming licensed as a behavior analyst. The presentation will include activities to date by the Practice Board to achieve licensure status, as well as discuss ways to achieve third party payment for behavior analysis services.

Again, for the full listing of events of interest, the reader is directed to
Check out the page at our website

See you at the Conference!

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Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG
-----------
Views and news expressed in this blog or by the PIBA SIG are those of the SIG and SIG members and do not represent official policy of ABA International or other official body. For official policy of the Association of Behavior Analysis International, the reader is directed to their website, http://www.abainternational.org

PIBA-SIG business & other mtgs at ABA Phoenix

Our business meeting and other meeting events of relevance and interest at the ABA International Conference, Phoenix AZ, May 22-26, 2009

Info also posted to our website
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#104 Business Meeting
Saturday 5/23/2009
7:30 p.m. – 8:20 p.m.
North 226 C
Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis Special Interest Group
Chair: Michael Weinberg (Orlando Behavior Health Services, LLC)
Purpose: The purpose of this meeting is to discuss business and review actions, as well as future directions, of the Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG. The officers will discuss activities and progress made during the past year and make proposals for actions for the coming year as well as discuss need for re-electing officers.
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All Events: in chronological order from the program

Saturday May 23
#7 Business Meeting
5/23/2009
8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Estrella, Sheraton
Closed Meeting: Special Interest Group Leadership Training
Chair: William L. Heward (The Ohio State University)
Purpose: Representatives of ABAI’s Special Interest Groups will participate in training in support of legislative advocacy at the state level. This two-hour development seminar evolved at the request of SIG leadership. Topics to be addressed include building strong SIGs: Strategies for organizational development; engaging in legislative advocacy: How to support the field, practitioners, and consumers; licensing of behavior analysts: Issues at the (U.S.) state level and credentialing in countries other than the U.S.; and working
together: collaborative opportunities among SIGs and communication strategies for organizational improvement. This event is closed; attendance is by invitation only.

#103 Business Meeting
5/23/2009
7:30 p.m. – 8:20 p.m.
North 224 A
ABAI Governmental Affairs Committee
Chair: Michael F. Dorsey (The Vinfen Corporation and Endicott College)
Purpose: An open meeting of the Governmental Affairs Committee to update ABAI members on the legislative agenda for ABAI for the coming year.

#104 Business Meeting
5/23/2009
7:30 p.m. – 8:20 p.m.
North 226 C
Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis Special Interest Group
Chair: Michael Weinberg (Orlando Behavior Health Services, LLC)
Purpose: The purpose of this meeting is to discuss business and review actions, as well as future directions, of the Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG. The officers will discuss activities and progress made during the past year and make proposals for actions for the coming year as well as discuss need for re-electing officers.

Sunday May 24
#327 Business Meeting
5/24/2009
7:00 p.m. - 7:50 p.m.
North 121 BC
Practice Board
Chair: Linda J. Parrott Hayes (University of Nevada, Reno)
Purpose: Open to members for discussion of Practice needs.

Monday May 25
#345 Special Event
5/25/2009
8:00 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.
North 122 BC
ABAI Business Meeting
Chair: William L. Heward (ABAI President)
Marc N. Branch (Publications Board Coordinator)
Timothy D. Hackenberg (Science Board Coordinator)
Linda J. Parrott Hayes (Practice Board Coordinator)
Philip N. Hineline (Membership Board Coordinator)
Ramona Houmanfar (Senior Program Co-Chair)
Maria E. Malott (Chief Exective Officer)
Charles Merbitz (Education Board Coordinator)
Raymond G. Miltenberger (Program Board Coordinator)
Pamela G. Osnes (Affiliated Chapters Board Coordinator)
Abstract: This event is the business meeting to the ABAI; where the President, Chief Executive Officer and Board Coordinators provide an update about current developments.

#482 Panel Discussion
5/25/2009
4:00 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.
North 120 D
OTH/CSE; Service Delivery
BACB CE Offered. CE Instructor: Michael Weinberg, Ph.D., BCBA
Licensing of Behavior Analysis: Protecting the Profession and the Public
Chair: Michael Weinberg (Orlando Behavior Health Services, LLC)
MICHAEL F. DORSEY (The Vinfen Corporation and Endicott College)
THOMAS L. ZANE (Sage Colleges)
MICHAEL WEINBERG (Orlando Behavior Health Services, LLC)
Abstract: Panelists in this presentation will discuss future directions for the field with regard to licensure of behavior analysts. The panel will discuss why the time has come in the evolution of the field to pursue licensure as the next step in the process. An examination and discussion of legal and ethical issues will be presented along with how to pursue proposing and passing licensure legislation, how licensure ensures protection of the public, and requirements and standards being proposed for becoming licensed as a behavior analyst. The presentation will include activities to date by the Practice Board to achieve licensure status, as well as discuss ways to achieve third party payment for behavior analysis services.

#497 Business Meeting
5/25/2009
7:30 p.m. - 8:20 p.m.
North 124 A
Behavior Analyst Certification Board: Status and New Developments
Chair: Gerald L. Shook (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
Purpose: The meeting will address important developments within the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) relating to growth and changes in the BACB. Topics will include: continuing education and recertification ethics and professional requirements, disciplinary standards for BACB certificants, and online certification management. The presentation also will focus on future goals and actions of the BACB.

Tuesday May 26
#533 Panel Discussion
5/26/2009
10:30 a.m. - 11:20 a.m.
North 129 A
DDA/OTH; Service Delivery
BACB CE Offered. CE Instructor: Jim Johnston, Ph.D., BCBA
Association of Professional Behavior Analysts Update
Chair: James M. Johnston (Auburn University)
GERALD L. SHOOK (Behavior Analyst Certification Board)
RAYMOND G. ROMANCZYK (Institute for Child Development)
JOSE D. RIOS (BehaviorLogix, Inc.)

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Website: Practitioner Issues in Behavior Analysis SIG
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Views and news expressed in this blog or by the PIBA SIG are those of the SIG and SIG members and do not represent official policy of ABA International or other official body. For official policy of the Association of Behavior Analysis International, the reader is directed to their website, http://www.abainternational.org