Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at VABA
VABA DEI Mission Statement:
Promoting inclusive, equitable, and just contexts for all individuals and groups within the science and practice of behavior analysis across the Commonwealth of Virginia.
VABA DEI Vision Statement:
To advance, prioritize, and incorporate equitable systems for the practice and dissemination of behavior analytic processes throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.
DEFINITIONS:
These definitions are intended to evolve as VABA learns and grows. We want to stay open to changing our thinking to help everyone feel more included. As you read the definitions and examples, we encourage you to take some time to think about your own experiences.
Diversity means acknowledging each person’s unique experiences shaped by their background and identity. It includes various ideas, opinions, and perspectives influenced by race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, socio-economic status, and more. Diversity also recognizes how differences, inequities, and the dynamics of power and privilege impact an individual’s lived experiences
Example: While putting together resources for a client, the BCBA develops materials that include a wide array of cultural identities
Equity means treating people fairly and giving everyone the same chances to grow and succeed. It also means finding and removing barriers so everyone can get the resources they need. Equity takes into account the history of groups who may have been treated unfairly in the past and works to create equal opportunities for all.
Example: An organization surveys employees at the beginning of the year to understand their holiday preferences across various beliefs, then uses this information to create a fair time-off schedule that accommodates everyone’s needs
Inclusion means making sure everyone feels welcomed, respected, supported, and valued as a member of a community. An inclusive environment embraces each person’s unique experiences.
Example: A video is developed for ABA principles as a part of an RBT training program. The content includes various different pronouns and gender identities.
Additional definitions:
Equality ensures that each individual has access to the same rights, opportunities, and resources.
Belonging is a state of being accepted, valued, and connected to a community where all individuals can be their authentic selves. It goes hand in hand with inclusion, belonging creates a supported environment where all individuals are appreciative as a part of the group.
Action Items:
VABA, with the support of the DEI committee is currently working on the following action items…
- Expand on the Associations and its membership’s definition and understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Create a demographic survey for the purposes of publishing its result for all VABA members
- Create a set of trainings for practitioners in VA to promote awareness and knowledge of DEI
- Introduce Trauma Informed, Collective Response, and Restorative Practices into the Association and the network of behavioral analysts
- Identify trauma informed practices within VABA
- Identify Collective Response practices within VABA
- Identify Restorative Practices practices within VABA