Inside Behavior Analysis
Volume 1 | 2009 | Number 1
Hoosier ABA
By Ken Weadick
The Hoosier Association for Behavior Analysis (HABA) is now beginning its third year as a state chapter of the Association for Behavior Analysis International®. We have grown rapidly from the twenty who initially showed interest back in early 2007, to over 70 active members and growing. The purpose of HABA remains true to its original intent of encouraging the understanding and application of applied behavior analysis in academics, research, and natural environments, as well as creating a sense of community for Behavior Analysts within our state. As a professional organization we also support and promote the Behavior Analyst Certification Board as the appropriate credentialing body for practitioners of applied behavior analysis in the state of Indiana. HABA also strives to serve the professional community as a reference group for other practitioners working in disciplines that embrace the principles and practices of applied behavior analysis, encouraging the understanding and application of applied behavior analysis in academic, research, and natural environments.
The last few years have been an exciting time for behavior analysts in Indiana. Since the creation of our state chapter the number of certificants listed on the BACB registry has nearly tripled. Legislation was signed into law on March of 2008 providing that an individual commits a Class B misdemeanor if the individual professes to be a certified behavior analyst and the individual does not hold and maintain the certified behavior analyst credentials administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc. In general there is increasing recognition of behavior analysis as a separate profession at state level.
As an organization, we hold quarterly meetings which incorporate an educational component. We have been privileged to have many nationally recognized speakers in behavior analysis as presenters at our local meetings. We have established a committee to look into offering BACB and other relevant professional continuing education credit for these quarterly meetings as well as our upcoming conference.
Our current focus is on putting together our inaugural conference which will be held October 15-17, 2009, at the Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre Hotel. This conference will offer workshops and presentations on a variety of topics relevant to parents and professionals interested in applied behavior analysis. Invited speakers thus far include Ernie Vargas, Mark Sundberg, Julie Vargas, and Patrick McGreevy. We encourage those outside of Indiana to participate and/or attend.