ABA Tech's History
ABA Technologies began in 1992 as the Indian River Network of Behavior Analysts, founded by Dr. Jose Martinez-Diaz with a dual mission: to provide quality clinical behavior analysis services to his local Florida community and to develop rigorous educational programs preparing future behavior analysts. Early on, the company created foundational Verified Course Sequences (VCS) for BCaBA and BCBA certification and established a master’s degree program, blending practical supervision with comprehensive coursework rooted in real-world application.
The journey was not without challenges but ABA Technologies persevered, bolstered by pioneers like Tom Freeman (a member of Florida Tech’s first ABA cohort and an early BCBA certified in 2001) who contributed significantly as an instructor and field leader.
Jose and his team played a vital role in shaping behavior analysis certification standards both in Florida and nationally. From the beta testing of Florida’s Board of Behavior Analysts starting in 1997 to annually consulting on the national BCBA exams, their expertise was widely sought after.
Innovation in education delivery was a hallmark of ABA Tech’s evolution. Beginning in 2006, Jose pioneered remote broadcasting of behavior analysis classes at Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), leading to a fully online ABA program by 2007—a move driven by student preference for on-demand learning over live streams. The growth of the ABA Online program enabled the launch of FIT’s School of Behavior Analysis as a separate entity, cementing ABA Technologies’ influence in higher education. Tom Freeman and other instructors supported courses across Florida and internationally, hosting sessions at varied times to accommodate global cohorts in Nigeria, the Philippines, India, Israel, and Hawaii.
International outreach continued to expand. In 2014-2015, Jose and his colleagues initiated ABA coursework in Italy and pursued collaborations in China, navigating logistical and financial challenges. In Brazil, ABA Technologies helped implement RBT training for the state of Paraná, despite political hurdles slowing broader expansion.
Up until his passing in 2020, Jose continued to innovate, starting development on an Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) certification program and integrating the publishing venture that became KeyPress Publishing. His lifetime of dedication impacted nearly a quarter-million students worldwide, creating a legacy of ethical practice, educational excellence, and global community service through behavior science.
Today, ABA Technologies continues Jose‘s mission of disseminating the science of behavior to improve lives. The company continues to expand its scope through business-to-business services, partnering with organizations across diverse industries such as healthcare, fleet management, universities, and clinical settings, to deliver products and services focused in behavior-based safety, clinical ABA needs, and curriculum supplements for higher education. ABA Tech continues its mission to apply behavioral science solutions that improve outcomes in a wide variety of professional contexts, an expansion that reflects ABA Technologies’ commitment to innovation and growth while honoring the legacy of its founder.
Read About Our Mission, Vision, & Values
Our Founder 
Remembering Jose Martinez-Diaz, PhD, BCBA-D (1950-2020)
Jose Martinez-Diaz’s journey began amidst great upheaval and hardship. Born in Cienfuegos, Cuba, in 1950, he experienced firsthand the devastation of Castro’s revolution. As a child, he endured the traumatic experience of fleeing Cuba during the revolution’s height, separated from his parents and stripped of even the simplest comforts, while witnessing the brutal consequences faced by his neighbors. Despite arriving in the United States with no knowledge of English and facing a sharp cultural shock, Jose transformed these early struggles into a lifelong mission: to improve the lives of vulnerable people through compassion, science, and action.
From a young age, Jose was drawn to the plight of individuals marginalized and misunderstood by society—those deemed “loco” or unworthy. This early empathy shaped his dedication to behavior analysis, inspiring him to pursue higher education in psychology with an emphasis on behavior therapy. He earned his PhD from West Virginia University, becoming a respected practitioner and leader in the field that led him to working as an adjunct professor for Penn State's Department of Special Education and the University of Salerno School of Medicine and a member of the board of directors of the Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies.
In 1992, Jose founded Indian River Network of Behavior Analysts, utilizing his passion for behavior science to deliver evidence-based solutions that promote meaningful change for people and organizations. As the business and services expanded, he renamed the company to ABA Technologies, Inc. Under his leadership, ABA Tech forged strong partnerships with academic institutions like the Florida Institute of Technology, where Jose served as a distinguished professor and was instrumental in establishing the School of Behavior Analysis and the ABA Online program. His visionary creation of these programs has impacted tens of thousands of students worldwide, many of whom now lead ABA initiatives across the globe.
Jose’s influence extended beyond service and education into shaping the profession itself. He contributed his expertise to organizations such as the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, the Association of Professional Behavior Analysts, and the Florida Association of Behavior Analysis, earning numerous accolades including the Jerry Shook Award and West Virginia University’s Distinguished Alumni Award. His commitment to ethical practice, professional credentialing, and rigorous training elevated the standards of behavior analysis both nationally and internationally.
Known for his vibrant personality, warmth, and love of music—qualities that drew colleagues and friends close—Jose touched lives far beyond his academic and professional achievements. In Melbourne, Florida, he was beloved for his keen memory, generosity, and ability to inspire others, whether over a shared meal of sashimi and sake or through heartfelt mentorship. 
His home was a haven of musical treasures, reflecting his eclectic taste and boundless curiosity.
Jose passed away peacefully on September 21, 2020 while listening to the music he cherished, his wife of 34 years, Danette Onstott, by his side. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, innovation, and relentless pursuit of human potential, embodied by his three sons, his sister, and countless colleagues and students worldwide.
ABA Technologies honors his legacy through continuing his work, occasionally wearing his signature style of tropical-patterned shirts, and continuously reconnecting with the values he championed.
Dr. Jose Martinez-Diaz’s life was a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of dedication to improve lives—a legacy that continues to inspire and guide us all.
