November, 2009

Dear CalABA Members and Friends,
It's almost time for the 2010 CalABA conference! Only minutes from the John Wayne International Airport, the beautiful Hyatt Regency Irvine in sunny and tranquil Irvine, California will host the conference. Conference attendees can enjoy nearby attractions such as Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, and some of the most beautiful beaches that Southern California has to offer.

This year's conference program continues the tradition of quality and diversity that CalABA conference attendees have come to expect. The general theme is bridging the gap between basic and applied research. There will be presentations on theory and basic research as well as applied research and practice. Consistent with the conference theme, the Outstanding Contributor Award recipient, John "Tony" Nevin, has influenced our science through theoretical and experimental work that has clear implications for practice. He founded two major subfields of the quantitative analysis of behavior, the application of signal detection methods to understanding reinforcement schedules, and behavioral momentum. Dr. Nevin's other interest is in the application of our science to socially relevant issues like war and peace. His address will present a nontechnical discussion of the ways in which momentum equations may enhance applied analyses of behavior.

Other highlights of the conference are keynote addresses by Howard Goldstein, Ohio State University, and Edward Morris, University of Kansas. Dr. Goldstein will describe criteria that can be used to judge empirical support for various intervention strategies and their applicability to various stakeholder groups. Dr. Morris' address, a follow-up of his 2009 article "A Case Study in the Misrepresentation of Applied Behavior Analysis in Autism: The Gernsbacher Lectures," will provide an in-depth review of those lectures, drawing some professional and ethical lessons.

This year's program will also feature invited addresses and workshops by top-notch researchers and scientist-practitioners in each program area:

• Mike Mozzoni, Lakeview NeuroRehabilitation Center (Clinical/Medical)
• Rick Smith, University of North Texas (Developmental Disabilities)
• David Pierce, University of Alberta (Experimental)
• Patrick Friman, Boys Town (Human Development/Gerontology)
• Judy Agnew, Aubrey Daniels International (Organizational Behavior Management)
• James Johnston (Professional & Ethical Issues)
• Jerry Shook, Behavior Analyst Certification Board (Professional & Ethical Issues)
• Thomas Higbee, Utah State University (Autism)
• David Palmer, Smith College (Verbal Behavior)

CalABA is pleased to announce that Jesus Rosales-Ruiz from the University of North Texas will be the first invited speaker in the new "OTHER" program area. Dr. Rosales-Ruiz's research focuses on bringing formal study methods and data collection to real-world animal training. No doubt many attendees, whether they are animal lovers or not, will be excited to hear what he has to say.

We are honored that Stephanie Peterson of Western Michigan University will present this year's Glenda Vittimberga Memorial Lecture. This very special lecture continues to honor the memory of former CalABA Board member Glenda Vittimberga. Dr. Peterson's address will examine the effect of concurrent schedules of reinforcement during stimulus fading procedures in relation to matching theory, and implications for intervention.

Following up on last year's success, CalABA will again co-conference with the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA). The APBA track will comprise an impressive lineup of addresses and workshops by respected scientist-practitioners such as Gina Green, Linda LeBlanc, Jose Rios, and Coleen Sparkman. Of special note, APBA will also sponsor a panel discussion on advocating for public policies to support behavior analysis. Panelists include Gina Green (APBA), Jim Gross (Nielsen, Merksamer, Parinello, Mueller, & Naylor, LLP), Jerry Shook (Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.), and Jane Howard (CalABA Public Policy Committee). This is a must attend session, as public policies can have a tremendous impact on ABA practitioners, researchers, trainers, and consumers.

This year's luncheon will host two very special events! James Gross will speak about the impact of public policy on our profession and practice. Mr. Gross is a partner in the California law firm Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Mueller & Naylor, LLP. He specializes in government law and the legislative process and is one of the original members of the firm's government law section. Over the last 20 years, he has participated in the development and passage of major legislation affecting the delivery of health and human services in California. In addition, back by popular demand! CalABA is delighted to have the B. F. Skinner Foundation Auction as part of our luncheon festivities. Proceeds from the live auction will help fund the work of both the B. F. Skinner Foundation and CalABA. Make sure to purchase your luncheon tickets upon registration so you can hear about and discuss public policy issues; and, perhaps be the fortunate winning bidder on unique Skinner memorabilia!

The annual CalABA conference offers professionals, students, and consumers the opportunity to meet top-notch researchers and practitioners in a relatively small, intimate venue. This year's conference will offer something for everyone.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Jill Young, PhD, BCBA-D
Bryan Hebert, MS, BCBA
2010 CalABA Conference Committee Co-Chairs

2010 CalABA Conference Committee