ABA Services

OFFERING A PLAY-BASED APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS (ABA) EXPERIENCE

AccessAbilities, Inc. offers play-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at our Northwest Indiana office location. All services are developed and directed by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA.) If you are interested in these services, please contact us.

The AccessAbilities Difference

• At AccessAbilities we believe all children can learn when provided with the right instruction.
• We believe that all children want to learn and grow.
• We believe the best way for children to learn is by first teaching children that we are fun and that we will meet them where they are.
• The first thing we do with every child is work on building rapport, which is just a fancy way of saying we work on developing a relationship.
• At AccessAbilities we believe in play!
• Play looks different for every child. We work on playing in a way that each child finds fun.
• As the prolific BCBA Steve Ward says, we work on making activities more fun with us than without us. www.wholechildconsulting.com
• At AccessAbilities we individualize each child’s program. Some kids need routines in place before they can relax enough to play.

What is ABA?

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a scientific and evidence-based approach for behavioral treatment. ABA assists individuals with developing language and communication skills along with social skills, attending skills, independent living skills, and reduction of maladaptive behaviors.
• ABA is provided mostly one-on-one. A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) will be with your child throughout their entire day.
• RBTs will work on goals that have been determined by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA.) BCBAs and BCaBAs will script out exactly how skills should be taught based on each child’s learning style.
• The Behavior Analyst Certification Board requires that all RBTs are supervised by a BCBA or BCaBA during 5% of their work hours. For our RBTs that translates to 5 – 6 supervised hours per month. www.BACB.com
• At AccessAbilities our BCBAs and BCaBAs are available during the majority of work hours. We believe that more training and more feedback equates to better learning outcomes. Even if formal supervision is not taking place, our RBTs receive performance feedback on a daily basis. The consistent presence of our BCBAs and BCaBAs also ensures our RBTs get a lunch break and bathroom breaks as needed!
• We believe that each child’s progress is number one. There is literally nothing more important than ensuring our RBTs have the support needed to be the best possible teachers for our kids.

Parent Training

• Parent involvement is crucial for any child receiving ABA services. The BCBAs and BCaBAs work closely with the families of those receiving services.
• Parent meetings occur at least once a month. Parent meetings are designed to assist with issues happening in the home, to help parents implement strategies that have proven to be helpful in the clinic, and to help parents understand ABA. Having a foundational knowledge of ABA terms, theories, and techniques will give parents a broad toolkit to put to use when new issues arise.

The ABA Day

• At AccessAbilities we hire individuals who are fun, enthusiastic, and dedicated to quality. We believe that families come first and that we reach the best outcomes when we are committed to helping each other.
• We believe this is more than a job. This is a calling. We are not here just to earn a paycheck; we are here to change lives. And in the process, our lives are changed as well.
• All of our employees pass a state and federal background check as well as a vigorous interview process.
• After an intake assessment has been completed, your child’s BCBA will recommend the number of hours they believe will be therapeutic for your child.
• We generally recommend a minimum of 20 hours and 4 days a week. Most of our kids come for 6.5 – 7 hours a day, 5 days a week. The reason for the high number of hours is ABA requires consistency to make optimal progress. The more time your child spends within the contingencies of their ABA program the faster they will make progress.
• Children spend the first 3 – 4 hours with one RBT then switch to a different RBT after lunch. This ensures everyone gets a change of pace and that our kiddos get a chance to show off their skills to multiple people every day!
• There are 2 – 3 group activities per day. Morning group consists of a circle time activity where we review the calendar, weather, sing songs, and practice responding to a lead instructor. In the afternoon there is a group play activity and some days include a small group teaching session.
• At AccessAbilities we believe in open communication via your preferred method. Most parents text their BCBA or BCaBA whenever they have questions or concerns outside of our regular parent meetings.
• We generally ask about your child’s morning and previous night during morning drop off. You will be contacted anytime your child seems to not be feeling well, if they are injured (even minorly), or any time your child is having a rough day that is out of the ordinary. You always have the option to pick your child up early. We believe trust is built through this transparent communication.
• At AccessAbilities we believe this trust is of the utmost concern. You are choosing to leave those who are most precious to you with us. We do not take this lightly. We strive to keep this trust intact and assure you that we have a common goal; ensuring your child leads the happiest, most meaningful life possible.