Public policy shapes every dimension of behavior analytic practice, from who can provide services to how those services are funded, regulated, and evaluated. Yet many behavior analysts view policy as someone else's job, something that happens in state capitols and federal agencies, far removed from the clinical work of assessing behavior, designing interventions, and training caregivers.
Provider: BehaviorLive — via Motivity
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Join Free →Each professional within the field has a voice and skills helpful in ensuring that the field's growth aligns with best practices. We will outline pertinent areas of public policy advocacy and calls to action for all behavior analysts – big or small activities which they can engage in every day. Topics covered include storytelling and dissemination, the field's standards of care, the concept of medical necessity, understanding provider agreements, types of behavior analysts, licensure and legislation, pigeonholing, and documentation. We will briefly introduce the topic and the pertinent concerns. We will then offer calls to action that the group can leave the presentation with, and possibly engage in that very same day. The topics covered are not comprehensive of all public policy needs associated with behavior analysis. Instead, they are pragmatic and achievable first steps pertinent to the health of the field. We want to leave participants with tangible action steps to get involved in public policy and advocacy efforts in their daily work, organizations, and communities. Related Ethics Codes: 1.02 Accountability 3.01 Responsibility to Clients 3.12 Advocating for Appropriate Service
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 2 | Ethics |
| COA | 0 | — |
Bethany Coop is a dedicated and passionate professional committed to making a positive impact on the lives of children with significant developmental delays and their families. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Bethany has not only earned her certification but has also become a driving force in the field of behavioral analysis. Bethany's journey in behavior analysis began with a deep-rooted commitment to advocacy and equality. As a high school student, she collaborated with Proud Young Americans for Truth to raise awareness about the Americans with Disabilities Act, educating voters on the importance of this landmark legislation. This early advocacy work, combined with her personal experiences when her first child was diagnosed with developmental disabilities, fueled her passion for championing equal rights and access to essential services for individuals with disabilities. Her dedication to advocacy and commitment to change have been widely recognized, earning her accolades for her outstanding contributions to the community and unwavering support for individuals with disabilities. Bethany's academic journey led her to Penn State, where she studied Developmental Psychology, paving the way for her to become a BCBA. Motivated by her passion for supporting children with profound developmental disabilities and complex behaviors, Bethany founded Over the Rainbow Behavioral Consulting. This was the first organization in western Colorado to provide Applied Behavior Analysis and bring newfound hope to families. Through this small but impactful company, she has provided critical support and therapeutic services to families in rural Colorado, ensuring they receive the specialized and compassionate care they need. Bethany has taken on leadership roles within various boards and committees, including her appointment to the Colorado Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (COABA) Board of Directors. In this role, she utilizes her strong advocacy skills to champion the rights of children and individuals with disabilities. Her collaborative efforts with lawmakers, lobbyists, and professionals have been instrumental in the successful passage of Colorado HB22-1260, the Access to Medically Necessary Services for Students, demonstrating her commitment to improving access to vital services. As the founder of ClearPath Behavioral Solutions, Bethany continues her mission of advocacy and mentorship by guiding the success of behavior analysts and supporting ethical practice in the field. ClearPath Behavioral Solutions focuses on providing BCBA mentorship and coaching. Through ClearPath, Bethany aims to drive positive change, not only within the field of ABA but also in broader contexts including peer advocacy, ethical practice, and ensuring access to care for individuals with profound developmental disabilities. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Bethany is a devoted mother of two children and has shared over 20 years of marital bliss with her husband. Their home in Colorado is lively, filled with love, laughter, and a menagerie of beloved pets. Bethany Coop's life is a shining example of dedication, compassion, and advocacy, inspiring those who aspire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, particularly children and families facing developmental challenges.
Dig into the research behind this topic — plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
280 research articles with practitioner takeaways
252 research articles with practitioner takeaways
239 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.