As a behavior analyst, it is likely that you will work with many different types of clients, including clients with disabilities. It is especially critical that behavior analysts understand the requirements and ethical considerations when working with this population. Over the years, two critical pieces of legislation have been enacted in the United States to make sure individuals with disabilities have rights and are protected in this country.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law that was enacted in 1975. It ensures that public education is available at no charge to eligible children with disabilities, including special education and related services. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) became law in 1990. This is a law about fundamental civil rights for persons with disabilities. It protects individuals with disabilities against discrimination “in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public” (ADA National Network, n.d.).
This week’s Discussion focuses on IDEA and ADA. You will review these two laws and explore their impact on behavior analysts and how they practice their craft.
Reference:
ADA National Network. (n.d.). What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ? https://adata.org/learn-about-adaResources
To Prepare
- Review the Learning Resources for this week, as well as the required weekly media programs, to gain an understanding of IDEA and ADA legislation and when each is appropriate. Note: It is critical for you to review all media for this week prior to completing this Discussion.
By Day 4 of Week 4Post a response to the following questions:
- How does the IDEA and the ADA impact the practice of behavior analysis? How does the IDEA and ADA impact your planned future professional practice? Provide an example.
Resources
- Bailey, J. S., & Burch, M. R. (2022). Ethics for behavior analysts (4th ed.). Routledge.
- Chapter 3, “Everyday Ethical Challenges for Average Citizens and Behavior Analysists” (pp. 29–37)
- Chapter 4, “Core Principles and Distinction of Client Versus Stakeholder: (pp. 39-50)
- Chapter 9, “Section 4: Responsibility to Supervisees and Trainees” (pp. 211-246)
- Lipkin, P. H., Okamoto, J., & Council on Children with Disabilities, & Council on School Health. (2015). The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for children with special educational needsLinks to an external site.. Pediatrics, 136 (6), e1650–e1662. https:doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-3409.
- ADA National Network. (n.d.). What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?Links to an external site.https://adata.org/learn-about-ada
- U.S. Department of Education. (n.d.). About IDEA Links to an external site.. https://sites.ed.gov/idea/about-idea
- U.S. Department of Education. (2018). Protecting students with disabilities Links to an external site.. https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html