SABA 2023 International Development Grant: Sarah C. Mead Jasperse

When using a behavioral skills training approach to train behavior analysts and behavior technicians, a critical component involves modeling the skill. In some situations, video models have a few advantages, including a standardization of content, the ability to show models from a variety of contexts, and the capability of replaying models.
In the Arab Muslim world, a problem is encountered when trying to use English-language ABA training videos freely-available on the internet. Most of the videos have been created within a Western context and do not reflect the cultural values of the Arab Muslim community. More critical than a lack of access to videos with Arab Muslim visibility, many of the videos include features that render the videos inappropriate or prohibited (e.g., showing people with sleeveless shirts).
With this SABA International Development Grant, an Abu Dhabi-based team led by Sarah C. Mead Jasperse, PhD, BCBA-D, will address this barrier by creating a series of ABA training videos that are appropriate for and freely accessible to an Arab Muslim audience. Dr. Mead Jasperse will develop the content of the training videos and assure the quality of the final products. Michelle Chioccola, MSEd, BCBA, will coordinate all aspects of arranging for volunteer actors. Feras Awad, a filmmaker, will film and edit the videos. This combination of expertise (i.e., academic/instructional expertise, clinical/community expertise, multimedia production expertise) is uniquely suited to accomplish the goals of the project.
According to WorldData.info, there are over 450 million residents in Arab League nations. With only two Verified Course Sequence programs housed within this region, ABA training resources designed with the Arab Muslim population in mind are limited. This project is designed to have a sustained and long-term impact by creating training videos that can be used—freely and in perpetuity—by any instructor who needs materials suitable for Arab Muslim communities or who wants to increase Arab Muslim visibility. The hope is that this will result in more behavior analysts being trained in these communities, which will result in more ABA services being available in the region.