Chapter Spotlight: Louisiana BAA

“As the state of behavior analysis continues to take shape within Louisiana, LaBAA has been very active in further developing the science of behavior analysis, the practice of behavior analysts, the mentoring of students, and, most importantly, advocating for consumers of services.”
Scott Williamson

The Louisiana Behavior Analysis Association (LaBAA) is a nonprofit organization that promotes ABAI’s mission to contribute to the well-being of society by developing, enhancing, and supporting the growth and vitality of the science of behavior analysis through research, education, and practice. LaBAA serves as a scientific, professional, and networking group for its members and promotes access to behavior analysis services in the state of Louisiana. LaBAA was established in April 2012 as a 501(c)(4) and became the ABAI affiliate state chapter in the fall of 2012. LaBAA is also an Affiliate of APBA and a BACB Ace provider.

Officers
LaBAA is governed by an Executive Committee comprised of a president, past president, president-elect, treasurer, and secretary. For 2020-, officers are: Scott Williamson, BCBA, LBA, president; Tricia Clement, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA, president-elect; Megan Matherne Perkins, BCBA, LBA, treasurer; and Janice Huber, BCBA, LBA, past-president. The LaBAA Board of Directors is comprised of regional representatives from across the state, a parent representative, and a student representative. For 2020-2022, regional representatives are Chad Favre, BCBA, LBA; Laura Kennard, BCBA, LBA; Channing Langlinais, BCBA, LBA, Phyllis Rash, BCBA, LBA, Amber Myers, BCBA, LBA, and Julie Mendes, BCBA, LBA. Heidi Lester is the student representative and Shannon D’Aquila is the parent representative. The legislative chair is Grant Gautreaux, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA. Elections for all officers and representatives are conducted in May/June every other year.

Membership
There are three classes of membership: Full, Affiliate, and Student. Benefits of membership include:

Professional representation: LaBAA is committed to protecting the interests of Licensed Behavior Analysts in the Louisiana state legislature.
Consumer/Affiliate representation: LaBAA is committed to protecting the interests of consumers of ABA in the Louisiana state legislature.
Full members have the right to vote in all matters brought before LaBAA.
Full members have the option to be listed as a service provider on the web site.
Full and Affiliate members have the option to post employment opportunities on the web site.
Advocacy and professional networking provided for all levels of membership LaBAA has grown from 339 members in the spring of 2019 to 370 members at the time of writing.

2020 Conference
In lieu of an in-person conference in the fall of 2020, LaBAA hosted the LaBAA Learning Series-a series of online webinars conducted August through December. The 2021 conference is tentatively being planned for the fall of 2021. Please check labaa.net for updates.

Other Activities and Initiatives
LaBAA has partnered with Louisiana Coalition for Access to Autism Services (LCAAS) to secure professional legislative services. As the state of behavior analysis continues to take shape within Louisiana, LaBAA has been very active in further developing the science of behavior analysis, the practice of behavior analysts, the mentoring of students, and, most importantly, advocating for consumers of services. In addition, the coalition has worked with LaBAA to educate the public and raise awareness about the science of behavior, ABA services, and legislative advocacy. Current initiatives include advocacy for permanent telehealth coverage and expanded access to ABA in school settings.