Behavior Analysis in Practice - EXTENDED DEADLINE Call for Papers: Public Policy Advocacy by Behavior Analysts
Guest Editors (listed in alphabetical order): Gordon Bourland, Berenice de la Cruz (bdelacruz@tamusa.edu)
Guest Associate Editors (listed in alphabetical order): Michael Dorsey, Amanda Kelly, Gina Green, John Guercio, Sarah Trautman, Lorri Unumb
EXTENDED Submission Deadline: April 15, 2023
Behavior analysts continually assess the needs of clients and the community at large, including potential clients. Some behavior analysts have responded to these needs by becoming involved in public policy advocacy efforts. The main purpose of public policy advocacy efforts is the same as our purpose as behavior analysts: To improve socially significant behavior of those we are trained to serve. Public policy advocacy has not been a part of most behavior analysts’ formal training. However, some behavior analysts have realized that international, national, state, and local public policy impacts the way ABA services are delivered and the betterment of society in general. Behavior analysts not only can address issues specific to policy affecting the provision of behavior analytic services as well as issues for making the world a better place for all people (e.g., reducing coercive control of behavior; promoting evidence-based, humane education and therapy practices; promoting access, equity, inclusion, and diversity of everyone in all components and benefits of society; promoting sustainable living practices; protecting the environment; promoting the health and wellbeing of all people). As such, some behavior analysts have educated themselves and become public policy advocates at the local, state, national, and international levels. Across the world, behavior analysts are meeting with legislators to educate them on behavior analytic solutions to societal problems, including but certainly not limited to why people need behavior analytic services. Incorporating a behavior analytic perspective into policies supports best practices in many areas and can create a more humane, reinforcing environment for all. Much of this work is seemingly done by a few. At a 2021 Women in Behavior Analysis presentation on public policy, 80% of responding attendees reported that they had not been involved in any public policy activities (de la Cruz, Thommen, Cremonie-Fernandez). Many behavior analysts may be unaware of the importance of being involved in public policy and advocacy and how they can make a difference for the benefit of society.
This special issue will shed light on the public policy advocacy efforts related to the practice of behavior analysis that have occurred across a variety of jurisdictions and settings (e.g., licensure, registration, service funding), as well as promoting macro level changes benefiting society in general. Papers are invited from behavior analysts who have experience in leading public policy advocacy efforts as well as those addressing related conceptual information. Papers are sought from various areas related to advocacy in behavior analysis. Authors are encouraged to collaborate if they have been working on public policy advocacy efforts similar those in other geographical areas. We believe papers that offer multiple exemplars from a variety of states and geographical areas will be very beneficial to the readership. Authors are encouraged to collaborate and discuss collaboration with self-advocates, family advocates, and consumer organizations in preparation and/or writing of the manuscript. Discussion regarding social validity implications for public policy is encouraged. Authors are encouraged to highlight steps for behavior analysts to make meaningful change in their area. This will serve to document, educate, and inspire current and future behavior analysts to engage in public policy activities regarding the practice of behavior analysis.
We are looking for papers that reflect public policy advocacy efforts across the world and not exclusively to the United States; as such, papers regarding international public policy efforts are strongly encouraged.
Examples of the paper topics are provided below. This list is intended to serve as a starting point and is not an exhaustive list. If authors would like to discuss their ideas, please contact the guest editors to ensure your idea fits the mission of this special issue.
• Autobiographical/biographical papers of behavior analysts and/or organizations who have and/or are engaging in public policy advocacy
• Environmental sustainability and protection
• History of public policy advocacy in behavior analysis
• How local, state, and provincial advocacy affect national and macro level issues
• How to begin public policy initiatives
• How to effectively advocate
• How to establish successful advocacy across a variety of stakeholders (e.g., parents, self-advocates, teachers, practitioners)
• Lessons learned from public policy efforts
• Public policy advocacy to impact public funding of health and intervention services (e.g., Medicaid, in the US), public education, and/or private insurance
• Public policy advocacy in specific areas (e.g., special education, education, substance abuse, OBM, corrections systems)
• Regulation of behavior analysis
• Training in advocacy at the policy level
• Current and proposed public policy collaboration across nations and geographical regions