معرفی
Sarah K. Howorth is an Associate Professor of Special Education and Program Coordinator for Special Education Graduate Programs at the University of Maine's College of Education and Human Development, within the School of Learning and Teaching. She holds a Ph.D. in Special Education and Digital Leadership from SUNY Buffalo (2015). Her research focuses on leveraging emerging technologies like VR/AR to support neurodivergent individuals, social skills development, assistive technology integration, and improving transition outcomes for those with autism and intellectual disabilities.
Dr. Howorth has over 20 years of experience in special education, spanning roles as a classroom teacher in multiple U.S. states and Shanghai. She has held leadership positions in professional organizations including past-presidencies with CEC-ISET and Maine CEC's state division. She directs the PEERS® Lab and Maine Access to Inclusive Education Resources at UMaine, and leads research initiatives on interventions like PEERS® for college students with autism, telehealth equity in early intervention, and AI applications in inclusive education.
Her scholarship emphasizes technology-driven solutions for disability inclusion, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications in journals like Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability and Intervention in School and Clinic. She advises UMaine Best Buddies and has developed innovative educational tools such as the ISET Technology Tools Menu. Current research explores AI's role in supporting students with disabilities and teachers in inclusive settings.
Dr. Howorth teaches courses including SED 536 (Severe Disabilities Strategies) and SED 585 (Social Communication for Autism). She coordinates graduate programs preparing educators to address complex needs in autism, transition planning, and inclusive pedagogy. Her work bridges clinical practice with technological innovation to create equitable educational opportunities.
