Chapter Spotlight: Delaware ABA

“Delaware ABA will continue to hold a few events to offer CEs for members and to educate the public regarding the science of behavior analysis.”
Kaori G. Nepo

Delaware Association for Behavior Analysis was established in 2011. The purpose of the organization is to promote the science, understanding, and practice of behavior analysis through (1) encouraging cooperation among local behavior analytic organizations, (2) advising political, legislative, and policy-making bodies with respect to all matters pertaining to behavior analysis in the state of Delaware, (3) arranging an annual meeting to discuss aspects of behavior analysis, (4) maintaining a website containing information about the chapter and behavior analysis in Delaware and elsewhere, and (5) functioning as a contact for and an affiliate of ABAI.

Governance
Current executive officers of Delaware ABA consist of president, Kaori Nepo; vice president, Gary Allison; treasurer, Corey Bowen; secretary, Victoria Hetrick; and members at large, Susan Pfadt and Regan Root. The membership director is currently vacant, and the duties are covered by committee members. Due to recent resignations for multiple positions, currently the election is in process.

Membership
There are four categories for Delaware ABA membership:

Professional member which is defined as an individual holding a terminal degree in a discipline directly related to, or involving behavior analysis, and whose full or part-time professional commitment includes teaching, research, and /or practice in behavior analysis.
Full member defined as an individual engaged in a full or part-time basis in any profession or vocation that utilized the principles or procedures of behavior analysis.
Affiliate member which is defined as any individual evidencing interest in the discipline of behavior analysis but lacking formal training therein; and
Student member who currently attends undergraduate or graduate school. The membership fee is $5 for student members and $10 for the rest of members annually.

Conferences
In May 2021, a representative attended the chapter training at ABAI annual convention. In April 2020, representatives attended the chapter and licensure meetings at APBA. In 2020, Delaware ABA representatives attended the bi-monthly chapter meetings to collaborate with other state chapters. In May 2020, representatives attended the chapter training at ABAI annual convention. Delaware ABA also presented a poster at the convention in order to promote the chapter.

Also in 2020, Delaware ABA began sponsoring the monthly all member meetings. In these meetings, the future directions, Medicaid reimbursement, CE events, and future conferences were discussed. Additionally, Delaware ABA representatives attended and supported monthly providers’ meeting to address Medicaid reimbursement issues.

Activities for 2019-2020
In addition to 2020-21 activities, Delaware ABA participated in several events in 2019-20, including:

Delaware ABA representatives participated in meetings to collaborate with other state chapters.
Delaware ABA continued to update the website to make the membership application process and conference registration easier.
Delaware ABA supported the sub-committee to address concerns regarding behavioral services provided in Delaware. The committee continues to explore the effective ways to promote behavior analysis as well as improve the quality of such services in Delaware.
The executive committee continued to learn the licensure process through attending training and collaborating with other state chapters.
Executive committee continue to explore the ways to increase the number of members through social media, conferences, and workshops.
The sub-committee developed the options of the organization logo collaborating with the local university.

Plan for 2020-2021
Delaware ABA will continue to hold a few events to offer CEs for members and to educate the public regarding the science of behavior analysis. We will prepare for the third conference in fall 2021. Additionally, we will continue to gain knowledge and work on tasks to develop behavior analyst licensure in the state of Delaware through attending the meetings and workshops at the ABAI and APBA conventions.