The Science That Unites Us: Celebrating World Behaviour Analysis Day
On March 20th, we join a global community to celebrate World Behaviour Analysis Day (WBAD). This isn't just a date on the calendar; it’s a day to recognize the incredible impact that the science of behaviour has on improving lives, fostering independence, and building stronger communities.
BF Skinner
Why March 20th?
The date was chosen to honour the birthday of B.F. Skinner, the founder of contemporary behaviour analysis. While Skinner’s early work laid the foundation, the field has evolved exponentially since those first experiments. Today, behaviour analysis is a dynamic, compassionate science that adapts to the unique needs of diverse populations, moving far beyond the lab and into our homes, schools, and workplaces.
40 Years of Evolution at LRCSS
At Lake Ridge Community Support Services (LRCSS), this evolution is a story we know well. As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we reflect on four decades of growth. Much like the science itself, LRCSS has transformed from a local grassroots initiative into a leader in the field, constantly refining our clinical practices to better serve the changing needs of the Durham Region.
Our journey has been shaped by visionary leaders. We want to take a moment to acknowledge our retired Clinical Director, Karen Chartier. Karen’s dedication was instrumental in bringing official recognition to this day locally. Thanks to her efforts, in 2024, Regional Chair and CEO John Henry proclaimed March 20th as World Behaviour Analysis Day in the Durham Region—a milestone that continues to amplify the importance of our work.
The Science That Unites the World
This year’s WBAD theme is "The Science that Unites the World." This resonates deeply with us because of the vibrant, multi-cultural nature of the community we serve. Behaviour is a universal language, and our science provides the tools to bridge gaps, foster inclusion, and create equity across different cultures and backgrounds.
Our commitment to unity extends beyond our local borders through our focus on professional development. We are proud to partner with the International Behaviour Analysis Organization (IBAO) to host the Stone Soup ABA Conference. What started as a local gathering has grown into a premier virtual event, bringing cutting-edge research and collaborative spirit to behaviour analysts across North America and beyond.
Celebrating Together
To celebrate this year, the LRCSS team will be engaging in several activities to share our passion for the science and its potential to change lives. Whether through community outreach or internal workshops, we are dedicated to "shaping the future" together.
How are you celebrating the science of behaviour today? ---