Celebrating 20 Years of Behavior Analysis at Savannah State
Audio Brief
Show transcript
This episode covers a live recording celebrating Savannah State University's 20th anniversary of its unique undergraduate Behavior Analysis program, highlighting the critical need for diversity and the realities of a career in the field.
There are three key takeaways from this conversation.
First, increasing representation in behavior analysis is essential to break down systemic barriers and improve access to culturally competent care for minority communities. Second, aspiring professionals must be vigilant and research potential employers to avoid unethical practices. Third, the connections and support system built with peers during education are a critical resource for navigating career challenges and avoiding burnout. A fourth insight emphasizes that HBCUs provide a uniquely empowering environment vital for nurturing future leaders in specialized fields.
The field of behavior analysis suffers from a severe lack of diversity, creating significant barriers to access for the Black community seeking culturally competent services. Having Black practitioners "at the table" is crucial to change the narrative and better serve diverse populations. This ensures services are delivered by providers who understand unique cultural contexts.
The discussion warns against unethical business practices common in the field, such as restrictive non-compete clauses and companies that rebrand to evade accountability. Future practitioners must thoroughly research potential employers to protect their careers and well-being. This vigilance helps prevent exploitation in a demanding profession.
The podcast strongly emphasizes that a robust network of peers, cultivated during college, is indispensable for long-term resilience in behavior analysis. This field is challenging, and a strong support system helps navigate difficulties, combat burnout, and provide crucial professional advice. These relationships are a lifeline throughout one's career.
Finally, on the HBCU experience, Savannah State University's program, the only one of its kind at an HBCU, creates an empowering and close-knit learning environment. It plays a vital role in preparing underrepresented students for leadership, fostering a supportive community, and providing essential networking opportunities. Such programs are crucial for diversifying specialized professions.
The conversation underscores the profound impact of diverse representation and strong community support on both client care and practitioner success in behavior analysis.
Episode Overview
- This episode is a live podcast recording celebrating the 20th anniversary of the undergraduate Behavior Analysis program at Savannah State University, the only one of its kind at an HBCU.
- The discussion explores the critical need for diversity and representation in the field of behavior analysis, highlighting the significant barriers to access faced by the Black community.
- Panelists and students share personal stories about the empowering and supportive community within the SSU program, which provides crucial networking and professional opportunities.
- The conversation offers practical career advice for aspiring practitioners, including warnings about unethical business practices, the importance of mental health, and the need for a strong peer support system.
Key Concepts
- Representation and Diversity: The central theme focuses on addressing the severe lack of diversity in behavior analysis and the importance of having Black practitioners "at the table" to change the narrative and better serve the community.
- Barriers to Access: A recurring concept is the systemic challenges families face when seeking ABA services, including long waitlists for diagnosis and treatment and a shortage of culturally competent providers.
- The HBCU Experience: The podcast celebrates SSU's unique program and its role in fostering an empowering, close-knit learning environment that prepares underrepresented students for leadership in the field.
- Career Realities and Peer Support: The discussion covers the practical challenges of a career in ABA, such as burnout and unethical companies, while emphasizing that a strong network of peers built during college is crucial for long-term resilience.
Quotes
- At 0:05 - "But if we are at the table, right, and not on the menu, we now have the ability to change the narrative." - A speaker highlights the power that comes from being an active participant in decision-making.
- At 13:03 - "We have not enough diversity in the field, and that was part of my mission when I came here." - Dr. Katherine Stewart explains her primary motivation for building the Behavior Analysis program at SSU.
- At 23:38 - "Once the services started, you on a waiting list. And then finally you get that, and then everybody else who is doing the service don't look like you." - A student, Thelma, explaining that her motivation to enter the ABA field came from seeing the lack of diversity among providers while seeking services for her child.
- At 54:06 - "I couldn't, if I left the company, I couldn't work within the 80-mile radius... for two years." - A panelist shares a personal story about signing a restrictive non-compete clause, which ultimately led her to move to Miami to continue her career.
- At 1:14:38 - "Your peers will help you for the rest of your life... this field is hard." - A panelist passionately emphasizes that the connections and community built during college are crucial for navigating the difficulties of a career in behavior analysis.
Takeaways
- Increasing representation in behavior analysis is essential to break down systemic barriers and improve access to culturally competent care for minority communities.
- Aspiring professionals must be vigilant and research potential employers to avoid unethical practices like restrictive non-compete clauses and companies that rebrand to evade accountability.
- The connections and support system built with peers during education are a critical resource for navigating the challenges and avoiding burnout throughout a career in this demanding field.
- HBCUs provide a uniquely empowering environment that is vital for nurturing future leaders in specialized fields where minorities are underrepresented.
