Doctoral student receives funding to attend special education conference

Robbie web feature
Karen Robbie (right) with Deborah Rooks-Ellis (left) and Sarah Howorth (middle) at the Center for Exceptional Children’s 2019 Special Education Legislative Summit.

Karen Robbie, a doctoral student in prevention and intervention studies, was one of 12 Ph.D. students nationwide to receive funding to attend the Council for Exceptional Children’s 2019 Special Education Legislative Summit.

The conference, held in Washington, D.C. in July, covered legislative policy and advocacy for special educators. Attendees also had opportunities to visit with lawmakers and their staffs. Robbie met with Sen. Susan Collins and staff for Sen. Angus King and Rep. Jared Golden.

Robbie applied for funding to attend the summit through the CEC’s Teacher Education Division, and was selected after a competitive review of applications. UMaine special education faculty members Sarah Howorth and Deborah Rooks-Ellis also attended the conference.