Hearts on the Hill
In this podcast episode of Bridging the Gap, hosted by Utah Behavior Services, we sat down with Natalie Whatcott, President and CEO of Utah Behavior Services, and Kerry Gibson, Government Affairs representative, to discuss the importance of advocacy and the critical role of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services in supporting children with autism and their families.
The conversation centers around Utah Behavior Services’ ongoing efforts to improve access to ABA services through legislative channels. Natalie and Kerry emphasize how the annual Hearts on the Hill event plays a pivotal role in advocating for children with autism by connecting directly with legislators. The event highlights the urgent need for increased access to ABA services, fostering relationships with policymakers to ensure that families receive the support they need.
Throughout the episode, the discussion touches on the collaborative efforts of ABA service providers across the state through their partnership with the Utah Autism Coalition. This collective effort aims to influence legislative changes and improve the overall quality of ABA services for children with autism. Natalie and Kerry also stress that Utah Behavior Services advocates for families year-round, not just during legislative sessions, by continuously pushing for policies that enhance the ABA field and benefit families long-term.
The episode concludes by reaffirming Utah Behavior Services’ commitment to advancing Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for families in Utah, ensuring that children with autism have access to high-quality, evidence-based care. Through their advocacy and legislative engagement, they continue to create positive change for families in need.
