Principle Investigator

Sean J. Smith, Ph.D., is the Principal Investigator for Project VOISS and a Professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Kansas. He is also the President of the technology division for the Council for Exceptional Children, Innovations in Special Education Technology (ISET), and a member of the Board for the National Down syndrome Congress. Dr. Smith’s research interests focus on innovations and technology solutions to support struggling learners and those with disabilities, particularly interventions aligned with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Framework. Sean has authored over 100 books and articles, given hundreds of scholarly presentations both nationally and internationally, and serves on various boards for journals, organizations, and parent groups focused on enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities. Dr. Smith, with a variety of collaborators, has received and managed over $25 million of external research and development funds.

On a personal note, Sean and his wife are the proud parents of four children, with the oldest son, Nolan, having Down syndrome.  Nolan, and his siblings, continue to instruct Sean on the needs of individuals, the variability in all learners, and how effective interventions can make a difference in the lives of all students.  Sean can be reached via email at seanj@ku.edu or by phone at 785.312.4485.