Posts by rnorton

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a science devoted to understanding and improving human behavior. Behavior analysts focus on socially significant behavior, utilize research-based strategies, and use scientific methods to demonstrate relations between interventions and improvements (Cooper, Heron, & Heward). ABA has been proven effective in repeated rigorous research, but misconceptions about behavior science and therapy…

Being a part of a community in a meaningful way is one of the most important needs we as people have. Many of us recognize the nostalgic feeling of “small-town USA”: charming downtown main street, the unified sports teams, and the familiar faces at your favorite places. That sense of community and a “simpler way…

Independence can look different for everyone, and for Brent, an Individual Supported Living (ISL) home, it is something they are actively working toward. Before moving into an ISL, Brent lived in a group home. “There were many people in that home, and it was chaotic,” he shared. Living in an ISL feels different. “An ISL…

At The Arc of the Ozarks, we believe every person and every family deserves to feel like they belong. We value diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. These values guide how we support individuals with disabilities and how we work to make our communities stronger, more connected, and more compassionate. What Belonging Really Means For us, inclusion…