Periodically, a newsletter will be produced to include the latest news, interesting facts, upcoming events, and member names. We are always looking for new ideas and topics for the newsletter. If you have an idea or would be interested in writing an article, please let us know.

 

SPRING 2007

 

 

The first meeting was a great hit in April 2007. Over a dozen interesting and enthusiastic individuals proudly shared who they were, why they were interested in ABA and then launched into fantastic ideas for the future. The passion could be felt throughout the evening. Bakersfield and Kern County continues to demonstrate a great need for this information and these type services. Following introductions and a brief review of the idea behind the society, a web-site preview was completed.

 

The group then began discussing ideas for the future society activity. A brief summary of those ideas includes: present info to the local Regional Center on ABA, attend the Dec. Fresno State ABA conf., become a CE provider, join/form a Yahoo Group, write a column/articles for papers like Southwest/Northwest Voice or Family Magazine, create a logo and T-Shirts, plan/attend/participate in charity events, look into special interest groups with ABA, put out a press release and consider a theme or area to discuss each meeting.

 

It was generally accepted that quarterly meetings would probably be the best at this time. The next meeting will be a bit sooner to follow-up after the San Diego ABA conference. The next meeting theme will be "Medications and ABA". The web-site should be up and operating soon. Hope to have a guest next meeting to discuss the opportunities for newspaper writing. Articles for review at the next meeting will be e-mailed to those who attended. (Anyone else interested just e-mail your request to cpersel1@excite.com) It was discussed to possibly bring in outside, guest speakers. Several participants agreed to help in the various areas reviewed under ideas above. The next meeting date was set.

 

 

I was only able to attend Sat. and Sunday but was overwhelmed with the great speakers and information. Highlights for me: Jack Micheal gave a nice intro to new members; great examples of behavioral programming for residential facilities including some nice video training ideas; met a good group of like minded individuals at the Rehab Special Interest Group; interesting thoughts on treatment integrity (always an issue); awesome presentation on neurobiology of addiction (Dr. Koop was clear and interesting); some strategies for generalization and finally, I had the chance to sit upclose and personal for two panel discussions regarding our June topic< "Medications and Behavior", two of the authors of the articles I forwarded were there to lead the talks, great stuff. It was fast and furious but much enjoyed. I picked up quite a few items for the KSABA library plus hope to share stories with others that were there. On to CalABA and Chicago ABA in 2008.