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| Behavior Analysis and Community Service: Challenges and Successes |
| Monday, May 30, 2005 |
| 1:30 PM–2:50 PM |
| Lake Huron (8th floor) |
| Area: CSE |
| Chair: Elizabeth A. Granucci (Infinite Possibilities in Behavior Support, LLC) |
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| Reducing Waste and Increasing the Selection of Reusable Dinner-ware in a High Volume Cafeteria |
| Domain: Applied Research |
| JENNIFER C. MANUEL (New York University), Ryan B. Olson (Santa Clara University), Mary Anne Sunseri (Santa Clara University) |
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| Abstract: Customer choices in a University cafeteria were observed during peak lunch time periods for half hour sessions across two academic quarters. Direct observation and informant assessment techniques informed the intervention plan to increase the selection of reusable dinner-ware. During baseline an average of 2.85% (SD = 1.23) of patrons selected reusable cups and 33.86% (SD = 4.76) selected reusable plates, bowls, or baskets. Environmental rearrangement and small signs increased reusable cups to 9.21% (SD = 2.80, d = 4.48) and increased reusable plates, bowls, and baskets to 37.92% (SD = 8.18, d = 1.59). Control by the first intervention was demonstrated with a reversal to baseline and additional improvements were created through feedback and more intrusive interventions. Environmental rearrangement was partially maintained across academic quarters without researcher involvement. The results are discussed within the context of striving for techniques that result in sustainable community level behavior change. |
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| Legal and Ethical Issues Facing Direct Care Staff Working with People with Developmental Disabilities |
| Domain: Theory |
| ZHANKUN CHENG (The Habilitation Corporation), Lisa M. Boisvert (Behavior Management for Adults and Children), Benny Howard (Behavior Service of Tennessee) |
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| Abstract: Some legal and ethical issues facing direct care staff working with people with developmental disabilities are examined. The four highly regarded ethical principles (autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice) and some key legal guidelines in the ADA are discussed through integrating the presenters’ real case analyses. Implications for training direct care staff are provided. |
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| The Analysis of Natural Support Strategies for Young People with Behavior Problems in Work Settings |
| Domain: Applied Research |
| ELIZABETH A. GRANUCCI (Infinite Possibilities in Behavior Support, LLC), Robin Wagner Hogsholm (University of South Florida), Debbie Westerlund (Westerlund and Associates), Hewitt B. Clark (University of South Florida) |
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| Abstract: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of coworker mentors on improving employment-related verbal behavior, task performance, and productivity of young people (ages 16 -18) with behavior disorders and/or learning disabilities. Participants were training for cosmetology in a vocational/technical school. Each coworker mentor conducted training with participants by demonstrating the correct task, providing corrective feedback, and delivering descriptive praise on targeted work-related verbal behaviors or task performances; or used a goal setting procedure (included prompts and feedback) to increase targeted productivity. A multiple baseline design across behaviors analyzed the effects of coworker mentor training on their ability to improve participant’s target behaviors. Each of the six participants had a separate mentor. Findings are illustrated through one participant. Figure 1 shows the multiple baseline for Nicoletta across two verbal behaviors: a) inquiries about comfort and b) suggestive selling statements. Nicoletta rarely used comfort or suggestive selling statements during baseline. Once the coworker mentor was trained in the intervention methods, the participant’s behavior improved as the intervention was applied. The inter-observer agreement for Nicoletta’s verbal behaviors ranged from 80% to 100%, with a mean of 98%. In a post-intervention questionnaire, Nicoletta expressed satisfaction with the coworker mentor teaching her new skills and attributed greater confidence in her work to this experience. Similar findings, although not all as pronounced as that of Nicoletta, occurred across all participants. The authors will discuss the implications of the study findings regarding the use of natural supports in the work place to assist young people with challenges in learning and applying new work skills. |
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