History of Special Education and Disability Research: The Influence and Impact on Education

Abstract: Special education and disability research have a rich history that has not only informed these fields but education and social sciences broadly. This session will provide a broad overview of the common types of research within special education followed by a discussion on how this research (and its findings) impacts education and policy for all students.

Presenter Bio: Sara Flanagan is an associate professor of special education at the University of Maine, College of Education and Human Development. Dr. Flanagan’s research and expertise focuses on Universal Design for Learning across the PK-20 education setting, literacy and technology interventions for students with and without disabilities, and teacher preparation at the in-service and pre-service levels for both. Dr. Flanagan has published numerous book chapters and articles, and presented at conferences on these topics. Dr. Flanagan is currently the past-president of the Council for Learning Disabilities and the PI for the Maine SEEDS program, which provides mentoring and support for new special education teachers in Maine. Dr. Flanagan’s work is supported through organizations such as the National Science Foundation and the Maine Department of Education.