Washington ABA – 2025 Chapter Update – Inside Behavior Analysis

By Jeffrey Kalles

WABA Activities & Accomplishments – 2024

The Washington Association for Behavior Analysis (WABA) had a productive 2024, highlighted by a significant transition within our Executive Committee, continued legislative advocacy to protect ABA services, a successful Annual Conference on Compassionate ABA, and the launch of the first Behavior Supports in Schools Conference—a collaboration with Washington’s Educational Service Districts (ESDs) and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). We also updated our professional development approach to better meet the needs of ABA practitioners across the state.

Leadership Transitions

In January, WABA welcomed a new Executive Committee:

This team has worked closely with WABA’s committees to improve internal systems, maintain a strong Annual Conference, and set the direction for the organization for the years ahead. In 2025, we’ll continue building collaboration among leadership, expanding professional development offerings, and creating more opportunities for BCBAs across Washington to connect, engage, and build their professional community.

Legislative Advocacy

WABA stayed actively involved in legislative advocacy throughout the year, working to ensure access to quality ABA services across Washington. We provided testimony, met with policymakers on key issues, and encouraged member engagement on issues that could impact the field. Specifically, WABA public policy efforts prevented a Medicaid credentialing change that would have significantly increased provider costs, supported providers throughout the state in addressing concerns with managed care organizations, advocated for expanding telehealth availability throughout WA, and established relationships with key policy makers to help support our member’s voice in the future.

These efforts will remain a top priority in 2025 as we continue advocating for policies that support ethical, science-based, and fully funded behavior analysis services.

Annual Conference: Compassionate ABA

WABA’s 2024 Annual Conference brought together professionals from across the state around the theme of Compassion in ABA. The event included sessions on partnering with parents, avoiding binary thinking, ABA services for adults with disabilities, and exploring compassion as the “eighth dimension” of applied behavior analysis. Attendees also had opportunities to connect, collaborate, and share ideas and network with colleagues.

Strong positive feedback reaffirmed the importance of this annual event as a key part of WABA’s mission to promote high-quality professional development and community connection for practitioners of ABA in our state. Our 2025 Conference will be held October 11, 2025 on the topic of “Collaboration & Connection: Care Coordination Across Fields”

Behavior Supports in Schools Conference

In May, WABA helped launch the inaugural Behavior Supports in Schools Conference in partnership with ESDs and OSPI. The event brought together professionals from around the state to help address the need for effective, inclusive behavior support systems in K–12 settings. Sessions focused on practical, school-based strategies and interdisciplinary collaboration. Its success has laid the groundwork for future events focused on supporting behavior analytic professionals working in schools.

Professional Development Revamp

This year, WABA modernized our professional development systems to improve access and relevance by integrating the Behavior Live platform into our system. We updated internal processes, added support for event organizers, and expanded offerings across in-person, virtual, and on-demand formats. In 2025, we plan to continue to increase our professional development offerings even further—ensuring professionals can access high-quality learning opportunities statewide throughout the calendar year.

Looking Ahead

WABA enters 2025 focused on growth, connection, and advocacy. We’re working to:

– Strengthen collaboration among committees

– Expand continuing education options

– Support policy efforts that protect the field

– Build a stronger, more connected professional community across WA State

We encourage members to stay engaged and help shape the future of ABA in Washington. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram and enroll as a member at www. WashingtonABA.org.