This course, presented by Dr. Jescah Apamo-Gannon, addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing the field of applied behavior analysis: the persistent lack of diversity, representation, and inclusion within its professional structures.
Provider: BehaviorLive — via Women in Behavior Analysis
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Join Free →The field of applied behavior analysis continues to witness an increase in multiculturalism and an emphasis on culturally appropriate practices. While the BACB has made some steps in the fight against racist systems and structures, the consensus in the discipline is that there is still more work to be done. Many behavior analysts have discussed the lack of inclusion and representation in the field and have highlighted the impact that the lack of racial representation and cultural humility may have on behavior analytic research and practice (Conners, 2020a; Dennison et al., 2019; Fong et al., 2017; Jackson, 1976; Szabo, 2020). Furthermore, a critical examination of some of the initiatives often ends up inadvertently tokenizing the minority professionals in the field of ABA. To adequately address inequity, one must consider the unique ways that a population is affected by different contexts and systems by providing resources and eliminating barriers to achieving favorable outcomes for all practitioners. Professionals and professional organizations can take an active role in governing, disseminating, and modeling how to address racism and make anti-racist behaviors applicable across various contexts in our field. . Anti-racist organizations acknowledge that systemic racism influences their organizational structure and policies. It would be ideal if organizations and individual members of the behavior analysis community were anti-racist, demonstrating a commitment to diversity, examining the unequal power dynamics within the organization, and incorporating cultural humility into their practice (Miller & Garran, 2017). This panel, will explore strategies behavior-analytic organizations at the state and national levels can employ to transition from a purely multicultural focus to an anti-racist one. We intend to share the work we have embarked, some of which has been while serving on the Massachusetts Association for Applied Behavior Analysis DEI committee. One of our goals on this committee has been to examine organizations' anti-racist practices and reference the practices of similar organizations in related fields. One of our proposed goals is to reach out and establish connections with groups supporting specific initiatives for underrepresented groups, such as the Black Applied Behavior Analyst (BABA INC), founded in May 2019, and Latino Association Applied Behavior Analysis (LABA), founded in 2015. While these associations have only been around briefly, they have contributed notably to reducing barriers for the communities they represent. Our goal is to engage participants to share and explore avenues to provide meaningful CE events, establishing mentorship, and increasing engagement in other organizations such as ABAI, WIBA, APBA and state organizations such as MASSABA, DEABA etc for students and practitioners from diverse backgrounds The field of applied behavior analysis continues to witness an increase in multiculturalism and an emphasis on culturally appropriate practices. While the BACB has made some steps in the fight against racist systems and structures, the consensus in the discipline is that there is still more work to be done. Many behavior analysts have discussed the lack of inclusion and representation in the field and have highlighted the impact that the lack of racial representation and cultural humility may have on behavior analytic research and practice (Conners, 2020a; Dennison et al., 2019; Fong et al., 2017; Jackson, 1976; Szabo, 2020). Furthermore, a critical examination of some of the initiatives often ends up inadvertently tokenizing the minority professionals in the field of ABA. To adequately address inequity, one must consider the unique ways that a population is affected by different contexts and systems by providing resources and eliminating barriers to achieving favorable outcomes for all practitioners. Professionals and professional organizations can take an active role in governing, disseminating, and modeling how to address racism and make anti-racist behaviors applicable across various contexts in our field. . Anti-racist organizations acknowledge that systemic racism influences their organizational structure and policies. It would be ideal if organizations and individual members of the behavior analysis community were anti-racist, demonstrating a commitment to diversity, examining the unequal power dynamics within the organization, and incorporating cultural humility into their practice (Miller & Garran, 2017). This panel, will explore strategies behavior-analytic organizations at the state and national levels can employ to transition from a purely multicultural focus to an anti-racist one. We intend to share the work we have embarked, some of which has been while serving on the Massachusetts Association for Applied Behavior Analysis DEI committee. One of our goals on this committee has been to examine organizations' anti-racist practices and reference the practices of similar organizations in related fields. One of our proposed goals is to reach out and establish connections with groups supporting specific initiatives for underrepresented groups, such as the Black Applied Behavior Analyst (BABA INC), founded in May 2019, and Latino Association Applied Behavior Analysis (LABA), founded in 2015. While these associations have only been around briefly, they have contributed notably to reducing barriers for the communities they represent. Our goal is to engage participants to share and explore avenues to provide meaningful CE events, establishing mentorship, and increasing engagement in other organizations such as ABAI, WIBA, APBA and state organizations such as MASSABA, DEABA etc for students and practitioners from diverse backgrounds
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 1 | Ethics |
| COA | 1 | — |
Dr. Jescah Apamo-Gannon is an innovative educator and behavior analyst who has built a reputation as a practitioner committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion. Jescah’s journey began with a passion for teaching, understanding human behavior, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others. Her dedication and determination to continuously improve have led to an accomplished career in education and behavior analysis, resulting in several recognitions, including an award for teaching excellence. Jescah is a licensed applied behavior analyst (LABA) and a board-certified behavior analyst with a doctoral designation (BCBA- D®). She holds multiple professional licensures from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, including Special Education Administrator, Teacher of Students with Severe Disabilities, Transition Specialist, and an -endorsement as an Autism Specialist. Jescah graduated with a bachelor's degree in Education (B.Ed.) from the University of Nairobi (Kenya) and a Master of Science degree in Education (MS. Ed) from Simmons University. She holds an advanced post-graduate diploma (ATP) in Behavior Analysis from Northeastern University. She completed her Ph.D. in behavior analysis at Simmons University while pursuing a graduate certificate in advanced education leadership (CAEL) from Harvard Graduate School of Education, Harvard University. Over the years, Jescah has worked in various educational settings such as, elementary and secondary school, private, public, community, and clinical practice. During this time, she has progressively and successfully executed multiple roles, including classroom teacher, behavior analyst, district-level administrator, and educational and behavioral consultatiom. Currently, she serves as an assistant professor and chair of the Graduate Programs in Moderate and Severe Disabilities at Fitchburg State University. In addition to her academic training, Jescah’s life experiences (as a minority/immigrant) and career working with diverse communities have shaped her practice, giving her a broad perspective on the role of culture in behavior analytic research and practice. Her services are premised on honoring and integrating the cultural backgrounds of each individual and family. She attributes her improved client outcomes to her commitment to exploring culturally appropriate and relevant interventions, creating inclusive and empowering environments, and engaging with clients and communities collaboratively. Jescah is especially inspired to share practical and implementable strategies to increase client success while prioritizing and valuing their input and culture.On a macro level, Jescah is dedicated to promoting social justice and addressing disparities in access to services and resources. This involves advocating for policies and practices (especially in the field of behavior analysis and education) that support the empowerment and well-being of marginalized groups, while also challenging systemic barriers that perpetuate inequality. Reflecting on her multidisciplinary background, Jescah also finds time to give back locally, nationally, and internationally. Over the years, she has partnered with several schools in Kenya, where she conducts pro bono training to teach culturally appropriate behavior analytic strategies. In 2016, Jescah founded a private practice where she provides consultation to state agencies, local officials, schools, and educators on increasing student outcomes and behavior-analytic services. Additionally, she serves on various educational and professional boards including the Melmark Inc board, (multi-state-profit provider of residential, educational, vocational and therapeutic services to children and adults with autism spectrum disorder, developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries and other neurological disorders founded professional and MassABA board (an affiliated chapter of the Association for Behavior Analysis International-ABAI). and, most recently, she was voted to chair her town's Cultural Council.
Dig into the research behind this topic — plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
239 research articles with practitioner takeaways
200 research articles with practitioner takeaways
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.