Class is in Session!
It all begins with an idea.
Thrive is excited to kick off 2025 with new projects. Alongside launching our new website and blog, we are thrilled to announce the start of our first Applied Behavior Analysis Technician (ABAT)® Coursework class. The Winter 2025 cohort will spend the next three months exploring the foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) under the Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis (QABA)® Credentialing Board.
What makes this class special is the remarkable group of professionals coming from the major islands of the Philippines—spanning different time zones and over 7,000 miles of distance. Our attendees are all coming from marginalized communities, where access to services for individuals with special needs are extremely limited. We are all united in the shared goal of making ABA more accessible and equitable in the Philippines. Our students include special education teachers, local government unit employees, physical therapists, psychologists, nurses, community workers, and social workers. They are courageously stepping forward to expand their skills and gain competency in a developing field to enhance their impact.
This class goes beyond academic learning; it is building a movement. Like many developing nations, the Philippines faces significant challenges in providing access to behavioral health services. While ABA is established in some countries, it remains an emerging field in the Philippines. In a nation of over 130 million people and only 15 licensed independent practitioners (i.e. 8 BCBAs and 7 QBAs), the need for qualified ABA professionals is dire. Despite these challenges, our students’ passion and dedication are truly inspiring. They are balancing ongoing careers while pursuing new knowledge to better serve their communities and it is a privilege for us to be a part of their journey.
We are honored to contribute, even in a small way, to this developing field in the Philippines alongside such a dedicated group. Together, we aim to shape a brighter future for behavioral health in the country. Good luck to us all as we start this exciting new chapter and thank you to all the dedicated individuals helping pave the way. Maraming salamat!