From Struggles to Action: Our Mission for ABA Therapy Access
Project ABA Rights was born from a shared vision and the urgent need to address the gaps in access to high-quality ABA therapy in schools. For too long, students who could benefit from Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy were denied the support they needed to succeed academically and socially. Parents and educators often found themselves battling for access to these essential services, and many families were left feeling frustrated and alone.
Our journey began with the recognition that ABA therapy is not just a treatment—it’s a transformative tool that helps students with autism and other special needs navigate the challenges of school, develop critical life skills, and thrive in their education. The impact of ABA therapy on students' social, academic, and behavioral outcomes was undeniable, but so were the barriers preventing many from accessing it.
In response to this need, we came together as a group of parents, educators, and advocates committed to making sure that every student has the opportunity to receive the services that can help them succeed. We began by raising awareness about the importance of ABA therapy in education and advocating for change at the local level.
The Importance of High-Quality ABA Therapy
ABA therapy is much more than a teaching method—it’s a comprehensive approach that can change the trajectory of a student’s educational experience. Here’s how it helps:
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Enhanced Social Skills: ABA helps students engage appropriately with their peers, participate in group activities, and form meaningful friendships.
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Academic Support: ABA therapists work directly with students to improve focus, task completion, and participation in class, ensuring that they don’t fall behind academically.
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Behavioral Improvements: One of the key benefits of ABA therapy is its ability to reduce disruptive behaviors while fostering positive behaviors and social interactions in school settings.
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Building Independence: ABA therapy empowers students to become more self-sufficient, promoting greater confidence in their abilities and greater independence in the classroom and beyond.
Project ABA Rights today:
We are an active, growing, grass roots effort working to expand and protect access to ABA therapy in Florida schools. We have made significant strides, but the work is far from over. Our current efforts are focused on:
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Encouraging Hillsborough County Public Schools (and surrounding districts) to adopt clear and comprehensive policies regarding ABA therapy in schools: We are actively engaging with district leaders to ensure that all schools have the resources and structure in place to support students receiving ABA therapy.
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Advocating for Florida lawmakers to clarify and strengthen state laws surrounding ABA in schools: There’s still a lack of consistency in how ABA therapy is implemented across the state. We are working to eliminate ambiguities in the current legislation, ensuring that all students have access to this vital service.
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Educating district staff, principals, teachers, and families about the impact of high-quality ABA therapy: Through workshops, seminars, and informational campaigns, we are working to increase awareness about the proven benefits of ABA therapy in helping students succeed in the classroom.
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Speaking at School Board meetings and connecting with district officials and lawmakers: Advocacy isn’t just about talking—it’s about action. Our team continues to attend school board meetings, meet with decision-makers, and build relationships with those who have the power to affect change.
From Struggle to Advocacy:
Founding Project ABA Rights for Our Children
This is our story.
It's the journey of facing the challenges and fighting for our children's rights in a world that doesn’t always make room for them. From receiving the formal diagnosis to navigating the hurdles of repeating VPK, surviving the uncertainty of a pandemic, and worrying about their future – our fears are real.
The worry that our kids might not be accepted, or that they might face bullying, is constant. But this is not a fight we face alone. We stand together, united in our determination to ensure our children are not only seen but loved and celebrated for the beautiful individuals they are. I’m sharing our story in the hope that it will light a fire in other parents. No one should have to fight for an equitable education. No one should have to fight to ensure their child gets the services they need, the support they deserve, and the opportunity to thrive.
As we navigated transitions like moving from preschool to kindergarten, we saw the gaps, the injustices, and the ways the system failed our children. That’s why we formed "Project ABA Rights" – to advocate, to fight, and to stand strong for all of our kids.
But the fight doesn’t stop there.
Advocacy isn’t just about policy or paperwork. It’s about connecting with other parents, sharing the tough days, and leaning on each other for strength. It’s about finding that unshakable resilience, that belief that our kids are worthy of everything the world has to offer. And it’s about making sure the law reflects that worth. In Florida, we’re fighting for change through statute 1003.572, pushing for real, lasting reforms that will protect our children and give them the education they deserve.
The road is long, and it’s filled with obstacles, but when we unite, we become unstoppable. When one parent stands up, we all stand up. Our fight is not just for our children—it’s for every child who deserves an equitable, inclusive education.
I hope my story will inspire you to advocate, to raise your voice, and to take action. When we fight together, we create a future where every child is valued, accepted, and given the tools to succeed. Our children deserve nothing less. Let’s keep pushing forward, because when we stand together, we make the impossible possible.