Ohio ABA

By Kim Wolff

Founded in 2008, The Ohio Association for Behavior Analysis (OHABA) is an affiliated chapter of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). OHABA is an organization for people interested in behavior analysis and is primarily an interest group.

The purpose of this nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization is to promote the science and theory of behavior analysis through the support of research, education and practice.

Supporting the certification process of Certified Ohio Behavior Analysts (herein referred to as “COBA”). Supporting the national certification process of Behavior Analysts and assistant Behavior Analysts
(herein referred to as “BCBA” and “BCaBA”).
Advocating for behavior analytic services and the profession of behavior analysis. Enhancing quality assurance in behavior analytic services. Promoting behavior analysis and university programs that specialize in applied behavior analysis.
Providing continuing education opportunities for behavior analysts. Providing resources and information related to behavior analysis.
Organizing an annual conference which shall serve as a forum for presentation of scientific and technological achievements as well as the discussion of the affairs of the organization.
Maintaining a group site or website containing information about the organization and about behavior analysis in Ohio and elsewhere.
Alerting members to regional and national issues affecting the practice of applied behavior analysis.
Functioning as the Ohio contact for and representative of the Association for Behavior Analysis International.

OHABA works to promote behavior analysis by a.) promoting behavior analysis in the educational settingb.) promoting behavior analysis and university programs that specialize in applied behavior analysis c.) provides a forum for the discussion of research and conceptual issues in behavior analysis d.) maintains a website containing information about the organization and about behavior analysis in Ohio and elsewhere and e.) functions as the Ohio contact for and representative of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). The OHABA Executive Board Members as of March 2023 included the President, Janet Hansen, PhD, BCBA-D, COBA, Past President, Jennifer Sweeney, BCBA-D, COBA, President-Elect, Nikki Williams, PhD, BCBA, COBA, Secretary, Kim Wolff, MS, BCBA, COBA, and Treasurer, Dacia McCoy, PhD, BCBA-D, COBA. The OHABA Board is committed to making the organization a resource to members across the state of Ohio. The OHABA Board includes Marketing Chair, Kate Wallace, BCBA, COBA, Membership Chair, Brittany Duffy, BCBA, COBA, Professional Standards Chair, Bryan Droesch, LPC, BCBA, COBA, Education Chair, Kate Anderson, BCBA, COBA, Program Co-Chairs, Cara Brown, MA, BCBA, COBA and Hannah Stauffer, MA, BCBA, COBA, Public Policy Chair, Jen Gonda, BCBA, COBA, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Chair, Juliana Carrus, MEd, MA, CCC-SLP, BCBA, COBA and Student Chairs, Sara Martin & Seth Sharpe, BCBA. During 2023–2024, the full Board and committees worked hard to coordinate opportunities for its members. In March of 2023, OHABA was proud to offer a two-day conference in-person. The Keynote Speaker was Lorri Unumb, Esq. The topics of the conference were diverse and ranged from history of behavior analysis and insurance reform, medical necessity, to applications of behavior analysis in educational settings.

Membership Information

Increasing membership across the state has been a primary focus for OHABA. The following table shows the growth in membership since December of 2012.

Year Ending: Number of Members:
2012 46
2013 114
2014 127
2015 148
2016 208
2017 226
2018 280
2019 389
2020 248
2021 270
2022 211
2023 236

OHABA is intent on continuing to increase its membership by offering CEU opportunities to members across the state. Individuals interested in joining OHABA can find a membership form on our website at www.ohaba.org. Membership fees are $40 for full members, $35 for affiliate members, and $15 for student members. This was the first year OHABA offered three-year memberships for our full ($75) and affiliate ($60) members. Benefits of membership include a reduced registration fee for OHABA conferences with CEUs included. Individuals interested in becoming a member of OHABA or any members who are interested in serving on the board or a committee, should contact OHABA at ohaba@ohaba.org.

Annual Conference 2023
The Conference was held on March 3rd and 4th at the
Marriott University Hotel.

Certification in the State of Ohio
The OHABA board has worked closely with the Ohio State Board of Psychology to educate BCBAs in the state on the process and importance of becoming Certified Ohio Behavior Analysts (COBAs). Only individuals who have the COBA can practice behavior analysis in the state, except in exempt settings. The last step in obtaining the certification requires candidates to attend a half day workshop and pass an exam covering the rules and regulations regarding behavior analytic practice in Ohio. The Board has committed to having representation at each of these workshops to assist in answering questions and to ensure newly certified members are aware of OHABA as a resource.

Future Direction
OHABA Board is committed to making the organization a resource to members. The Board continues to add additional Board positions and develop committees to assist Chairs in completion of their duties. The board continues to promote networking events with the goal to reach ABA professionals across the state by regions. Due to COVID, our initial efforts which were hosting Town Hall events per region, have shifted to monthly coffee chats to reach all members of the state. We commit to continue to offer those events to focus on a variety of topics, special interests, open collaboration and focused CEUs programs. The Board continues to become aware of potential legislation, which could impact the practice of behavior analysis in the state. The Board is also evaluating policies and practices to ensure we are focused on the diversity, equity and inclusion of all members. We continue our commitment with legislative efforts to ensure the practice of applied behavior analysis continues to be recognized with Medicaid and other insurances as a medically necessary service.