QABA deepens Morocco outreach with conference and site visits

The Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board held a conference and a series of meetings in Morocco to expand access to accredited ABA training and services. The effort highlights workforce shortages and growing demand for qualified practitioners serving people with autism and developmental differences.

Why it matters: - QABA’s Morocco outreach targets a key bottleneck in autism and disability care: too few credentialed practitioners and too little access to accredited ABA training. - The effort could help expand evidence-based services for families and professionals in Morocco if new training pathways move forward.

What happened: - The Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board took part in a one-day conference and strategic engagements across Morocco. - The conference drew more than 180 participants. - Attendees included researchers, clinical psychologists, social workers, representatives from associations and family members. - QABA used the event to present its accreditation pathways, the scientific foundations of ABA and practical applications for professionals working with people with autism and developmental differences. - QABA representatives visited the Mohammed VI National Center for Persons with Disabilities’ Marrakech branch and the Happiness Ambassadors Center in Rabat. - QABA also met with the executive office of the Vision Center, members of the Excell group of institutions in Marrakech and the president of the National League of Social Workers. - A national meeting on the organization of social work professions was held under the minister of family, children and solidarity, with government officials, public institutions, civil society organizations, universities and professional associations participating.

The details: - The Morocco visits surfaced limited access to accredited training programs in the country. - QABA said Morocco also lacks enough credentialed practitioners trained to implement behavior analysis strategies. - The visits highlighted the need for closer collaboration with accredited ABA training pathways. - Discussions in Marrakech focused on workforce development needs and possible ways to expand professional ABA training in Morocco. - Dr. Michael Hemingway, QABA’s executive director, said the dedication of Moroccan professionals and families reinforced the need for accessible, accredited training pathways. - Hemingway said QABA is exploring collaborations that would bring structured certification programs aligned with international standards to the region. - QABA is in discussions with the National Association of Social Workers to develop accredited training programs. - The planned initiatives are intended to address workforce shortages and expand access to qualified practitioners who can deliver evidence-based care. - QABA offers credentials through the ABAT®, QASP-S® and QBA® pathways. - QABA maintains standards for coursework approval, supervised fieldwork and examination. - QABA says it supports accessibility for candidates across six continents.

Between the lines: - The Morocco trip appears to be both a relationship-building effort and a market-development push for QABA’s certification model. - The focus on social work leaders and government-linked institutions suggests QABA is looking for local partners who can help institutionalize training, not just host isolated programs. - The shortage of credentialed professionals points to a broader regional challenge: demand for ABA services may be growing faster than the supply of trained providers.

What's next: - QABA’s talks with the National Association of Social Workers could lead to accredited training programs in Morocco. - Further collaboration with Moroccan institutions could expand the pipeline of practitioners qualified to deliver ABA services. - QABA says more information about its international initiatives is available at the company's website, by email at info@qababoard.com or by phone at (877) 220-1839.