Wisconsin ABA – 2025 Chapter Update
By Emily Baumler
Wisconsin Association for Behavior Analysis (WisABA) is excited to be entering its 21st year as a non-profit organization supporting professionals, parents, caregivers, educators, and researchers who continue to promote the science of behavior analysis. WisABA also continues to collaborate with the Department of Health Services (DHS) in their stakeholder meetings that are held throughout the year. Through this collaboration, information as well as any updates regarding the behavioral treatment benefit through the state of Wisconsin is disseminated to WisABA members. WisABA also continues its dedication to behavior analysis by being an affiliate chapter of the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and the Association for Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA).
Our 2024 annual conference was held in Milwaukee on October 4th and 5th, 2024. WisABA’s 20th anniversary was celebrated during the conference. The keynote speaker was Emily Varon who provided a remarkable presentation on the important topic of sleep. Other presentation topics included Prader-Willi Syndrome, interprofessional collaboration, social/play skills, and cultural considerations for children with ASD. WisABA is excited for the 2025 conference (October 2nd and 3rd) after it experienced a record-breaking attendance at the 2024 conference.
WisABA honored one of its founders, Dr. Corrine Louise Russell Donley (1936-2023), by awarding the WisABA Award for Contributions to Behavior Analysis in the State of Wisconsin to Dr. Donley’s son, Kevin R. Donely. WisABA was honored to present this award to Mr. Donley, who spoke to the conference attendees about the incredible contributions his mother made to the field of behavior analysis. Dr. Corrine Donley will be remembered, and WisABA hopes to continue her legacy with its current initiatives and dedication to its members.
Amendments to WisABA’s bylaws were voted and approved by its members during the 2024 conference. One major change was the addition of a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Director who will be in charge of the DEIB committee for a two-year term. DEIB will be one of WisABA’s main initiatives to increase awareness and support diversity and inclusion within the field of ABA and the broader Wisconsin community.
Another main focus of WisABA is to continue to provide opportunities for continuing education to practicing BCBAs and BCaBAs, which the conference and quarterly general membership meetings provide. Members are welcomed to join quarterly general membership meetings virtually to hear updates from the committees and have the opportunity to earn one free Continuing Education Unit (CEU). The public relations committee continues to share resources to WisABA members via social media (Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn). Our website, www.wisaba.org, also features research opportunities, DEIB learning opportunities, and other helpful resources. A members only page consists of meeting notes from general membership meetings and DHS stakeholder meetings.
WisABA invites you to check out our website, follow on social media updates, become a member, and attend our conference in October. WisABA is looking forward to another successful conference and year!
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