Bermuda ABA – 2025 Annual Report – Inside Behavior Analysis

By Jahnae Harvey

The Bermuda Association of Behavior Analysis (BABA) was established in the fall of 2011, largely due to the ongoing efforts of Tomorrow’s Voices Autism Early Intervention Centre. This strong partnership continues to be the foundation of BABA, as the majority of ABA professionals in Bermuda are employed with Tomorrow’s Voices.

BABA remains a diverse collective of behavior analysts, verbal behavior therapists, junior therapists, non-profit leaders, and parents. The chapter continues to maintain a close working relationship with Tomorrow’s Voices – Bermuda Autism Early Intervention Centre, the island’s first and only autism early intervention center. This connection has allowed many of BABA’s members to join through their affiliation with the organization.

The year 2024 was a milestone for BABA members. Tomorrow’s Voices celebrated 17 years of service in Bermuda, reinforcing the essential role of an internationally recognized center dedicated to supporting individuals with autism spectrum disorders and developmental disabilities. Since its founding, the clinical center has trained and employed 75 professionals—both Bermudian and non-Bermudian—in the principles of applied behavior analysis and verbal behavior. Beyond direct staffing, the organization has impacted thousands of parents, volunteers, students, educators, and medical and allied health professionals through its extensive workshops, seminars, consultancies, internships, and work shadow programs.

BABA continues to support the professional development of behavior analysts on the island, ranging from Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) to Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). This growth bodes well for the future of the profession in Bermuda. Currently, there are two BCBAs, one BCBA-D, and five active RBTs registered with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) locally.

In December 2019, the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) announced that, effective January 1, 2023, it would no longer accept certification applications from individuals residing outside the United States and Canada. Unfortunately, this decision significantly reduced the eligibility of Bermudians seeking BCBA certification.

Despite this setback, several BABA members have successfully completed the required coursework and practical experience hours as part of their master’s degrees in applied behavior analysis. In response to these changes, BABA members are actively exploring alternative credentials that align with BCBA standards. However, concerns remain regarding insurance coverage and the recognition of these alternatives. Without proper support, there is a risk that limited credential recognition could create barriers to accessing essential services, impacting both professionals and the individuals they serve.

Professional Development & Community Training

Through its partnership with Tomorrow’s Voices, BABA members led a series of educational seminars and workshops designed to support parents, educators, allied health professionals, students, and the broader community. These included:

Public Workshops

BABA members conducted four bi-monthly virtual workshops, covering topics such as:

“Let’s Put That on Paper – Data Collection Methods”
“Building Bridges – Social Development for Individuals with Autism”
“Beyond the Surface – Supporting High-Functioning Individuals with Autism”
“Connecting Through Communication – Strategies for Individuals with Autism”

These sessions collectively attracted 83 participants.

Private & Corporate Workshops

In addition to public workshops, BABA members conducted nine privately requested workshops for allied health and educational institutions, including:

The Family Centre
Bermuda Hospitals Board
Probus (a social club for seasoned professional men)
A small local homeschool

Four of these workshops were scheduled as part of ongoing collaborations, reinforcing BABA’s commitment to long-term education and support.

BABA also extended its outreach to corporate entities, delivering customized workshops for organizations such as Fidelis and Athene.

Impact & Professional Development

Many of these workshops were affiliated with professional development certifications. Through Tomorrow’s Voices, BABA members provided:

312 hours of professional development to 118 attendees
Two wellness workshops to the community via Zoom

The impact of these workshops extends beyond individual participants. By equipping attendees with practical tools and insights, these sessions foster a more understanding and supportive community. As more people gain the knowledge and confidence to engage with individuals with autism and developmental disabilities, Bermuda continues to move toward greater inclusivity and compassion.

BABA members, through their affiliation with Tomorrow’s Voices, have maintained membership with the Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP).

BABA remains committed to leading the growth of the ABA profession in Bermuda and actively contributes to national policy and legislative initiatives. Notably, Tomorrow’s Voices Board Chair, Ms. Thea Furbert, is a key member of the team developing the Bermuda National Intellectual Disability Plan. Her involvement ensures that a behavioral perspective is integrated into addressing the needs of students and adults with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and other developmental disabilities.

Parent Support Group

In 2023, a parent support group was launched to provide a dedicated space for families of individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. The group offers structured support through three rotating focus areas:

Information Webinars – Featuring guest speakers from related fields, including ABA, Speech-Language Pathology, Nursing, Dietetics, and Personal Care Support.
Social Gatherings – Opportunities for parents to connect through activities such as bowling nights and nature walks.
Chat & Chew Sessions – Virtual meet-ups where parents can share experiences, seek advice, and support one another across various stages of their journey.

2024 marked the first full year of the parent support group in operation, providing families with a consistent and structured space for connection, education, and shared experiences.

For those interested in becoming a member of BABA or learning more, please contact Dr. Jahnae Harvey at bermudaaba@gmail.com.