The field of applied behavior analysis has made significant progress in developing effective interventions for a wide range of behavioral needs, yet the profession continues to grapple with systemic barriers that exclude marginalized voices and limit meaningful progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). These barriers are not abstract policy concerns; they directly affect the quality of services provided to clients, the experiences of practitioners from marginalized backgrounds, and the profession's ability to serve diverse communities effectively.
Provider: BehaviorLive — via Georgia Association for Behavior Analysis
Take This Course →Including ethics, supervision, and topics like this one. New live CEU every Wednesday.
Join Free →The field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) has made strides in advancing effective interventions in socially valid ways, yet systemic barriers continue to exclude marginalized voices, limiting meaningful progress in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This presentation will explore actionable strategies for fostering acceptance and inclusion within ABA practices by examining the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, disability, gender identity, and cultural background. Through the lens of my personal journey as an autistic, disabled, and neurodivergent professional, I will illustrate how intersecting identities influence both client experiences and professional pathways in ABA. Drawing from evidence-based practices and emerging research, attendees will gain practical tools for embedding cultural humility, inclusive language, and diverse collaboration into clinical practice and organizational systems. Special emphasis will be placed on leveraging the BACB's Ethics Code Standard 1.07 (Cultural Responsiveness and Diversity) to improve client outcomes and advance social justice. By actively committing to fostering acceptance and inclusion, behavior analysts can create safer, more empowering environments that celebrate diverse identities and promote meaningful change in the field.
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 1 | Ethics |
Dr. Shelby Dorsey is an autistic behavior analyst with ADHD who works as a clinical behavior analyst.She is the founder of www.theSD.store, an online retail shop that aims to change the perception and attitudes of behavior analysis. Not one to shy away from dismantling the harmful and oppressive use of ABA, theSD.store hopes to aid behavior analysts in becoming conditioned reinforcers to behaviorists and non-behaviorists alike by supporting and promoting a culture of safe, desirable, and compassionate behavior analytic services. Dr. Shelby Dorsey is a teacher at heart who enjoys consulting and mentoring in business, behavior analysis, and beyond. Dr. Shelby Dorsey is open to collaboration and would love to connect on Instagram, LinkedIn, or email.www.shelbydorsey.co
Dig into the research behind this topic — plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
252 research articles with practitioner takeaways
You earn CEUs from a dozen different places. Upload any certificate — from here, your employer, conferences, wherever — and always know exactly where you stand. Learning, Ethics, Supervision, all handled.
No credit card required. Cancel anytime.
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.