Assistant Professor Marija Čolić, in the College of Education (COE) Department of Special Education (SPED), was elected to serve as a legislative chair for the Hawaiʻi Association of Behavior Analysis (HABA). Elected by HABA members, she began her three-year term this month.
“During my term, I aim to advocate for policies that support keiki with disabilities and their families,” Čolić said. “I hope to contribute to the growth and sustainability of behavior analysis services in our community by fostering collaboration between practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders. My ultimate goal is to ensure that legislative efforts translate into improved access and quality of care for those who need it most.”
Čolić, whose research areas include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), quality of life for parents of children with disabilities, and stigma, helped to launch the first ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) Autism Hawaiʻi program, aimed at reducing disparities in access to autism services and improve outcomes for individuals with ASD across diverse communities. She will present her current research project on play-based social skills for kids with autism at the 2025 Research Day at the State Capitol on February 4th.
As part of her responsibilities as legislative chair, Čolić will track legislative bills related to behavior analysis at both the state and federal levels; lead the legislative committee and conduct monthly meetings; collaborate with the HABA board to recruit, write, and submit testimony; meet with legislators and community stakeholders to address policy issues; attend bi-weekly meetings with a lobbyist team; and recruit lobbyists as needed.
“My new role as legislative chair aligns directly with my current work as a supervisor and educator in the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) program,” Čolić said. “By staying updated on legislative developments, I can better prepare my students to navigate the regulatory and ethical landscape of behavior analysis. Additionally, my academic role provides me with a platform to discuss current policy issues and advocate for practices that support individuals with disabilities. This synergy enhances my ability to bridge education, advocacy, and policy in meaningful ways.”
