About the presentation:
Behavior Analysts often operate in the context of larger settings that may include many other professions. The BACB’s code of Professional and Ethical Compliance Code for Behavior Analysts requires under 1.0 (Responsible Conduct of Behavior Analysts) that behavior analysts maintain the high standards of behavior of the profession. Furthermore, the code specifies in section 1.01 that there is a Reliance on Scientific Knowledge. (Behavior analysts rely on professionally derived knowledge based on science and behavior analysis when making scientific or professional judgments in human service provision, or when engaging in scholarly or professional endeavors). Ensuring that organizational systems are set up to promote compliance with the BACB ethics code may be a challenge when individuals in positions of Leadership in Human Service Organizations (HSO’s) are often not credentialed in the field of Behavior Analysis. We are seeing a rapid growth in organizations who claim to be Applied Behavior Analytic Providers, including those funded through Private Equity, whose goals may or may not be value based, and may be strictly monetary. It is critical for organizations to maintain a commitment to our ethical guidelines, and to create systems that ensure a professional work environment for all employees that maintains compliance with the BACB’s ethical codes. The goal of this presentation is to review how the code of ethics should inform the development of any ABA organizations’ operational systems.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of the presentation, the participants will be able to:
1. Understanding how the BACB code of ethics can inform an HSO’s development of organizational behavior management systems.
2. Understanding, as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst ,your own responsibility to identify and inform leadership of organizational non-compliance with the BACB code of ethics.
3. Identify an HSO’s systems that monitor and establish employee protocols to ensure ethical employee behavior that complies with the BACB code of ethics
About the presenter:
Rita M. Gardner is President and CEO of Melmark, a multi-state human service provider with premier private special education schools, professional development, training and research centers. Rita has devoted 35 years to non-profit management in the field of community-based services for children and adults with the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders, acquired brain injuries, neurological disorders and severe challenging behaviors. In addition to leading Melmark’s $95-million operations across all of its divisions, Rita is the co-founder of Melmark New England in Andover, Massachusetts and a co-founder of Melmark Carolinas in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Rita has been recognized by the Commonwealth Institute and Boston Globe, on the organizations’ list of Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts for the past two years (#35 in 2018 and TBA in 2019). She is dedicated to creating opportunities for skills growth and advancement for
women in the field of human services. Rita does this through her work with CASP (Council of Autism Service Providers), for which she and Melmark are founding members; her leadership role as a board member of maaps (Massachusetts Association of Approved Private Schools); and her vital role in WIBA (Women in Behavior Analysis), for which Rita volunteers her time
and expertise as a mentor. As a result of her far-reaching work, Rita is known throughout the disability community as a tireless advocate for services for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and autism. She has provided project consultation to nationally-renowned borganizations and was appointed to Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick’s Special Commission Relative to Autism in 2010. She continues to serve in that capacity, appointed by the current Governor Charles Baker. Rita has testified before the legislature on numerous issues related to Autism Spectrum Disorders, written articles for professional journals, and made a number of presentations on topics ranging from program expansion and behavior management to transitioning students with brain injury back into the community. Rita has been involved in the organization, design, development and implementation of over 100 community-based programs for children and adults. Her professional experience is focused on high level organizational
design using her skills in child advocacy, clinical practice, health service administration, legal issues, public policy and fundraising. Her demonstrated focus on fiscal prudence, ability to build bridges with funding sources, and experience in the development and ongoing maintenance of
donor relationships, ensures the future of services for individuals with intellectual disabilities, at Melmark and beyond. Rita received her Master of Public Health degree from Boston University’s
School of Public Health in the School of Medicine. Most important, she holds the heart of Melmark’s mission at the core of her professional standards. She is dedicated to every child, adult and family served at Melmark, as well as every member of Melmark’s professional staff.