Children and Adults With Profound Intellectual Disabilities in Poland: Legal Issues and Educational Services

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present the reality of education and rehabilitation faced by people with profound intellectual disabilities in Poland; as seen from the perspective of the past, present, and future, with an attempt to identify the determinants of these situations. The paper addresses these matters in a threefold context which includes a description of the specific characteristics of the educational and rehabilitation situations of people with profound intellectual disabilities in Poland, an analysis of the characteristics of diagnosis as well as the structure of the education system, and alternatives for adults with profound disabilities.
Researchers conducted an extensive analysis of literature, legal acts and government reports presenting and evaluating the situation of people with profound intellectual disability from childhood to maturity in Poland. The results of this study make it possible to get to know and better understand the situation of the discussed group of people and their carers. Furthermore, the theoretical analyses carried out show that the structure of education offered to people with profound intellectual disabilities in Poland requires change that takes into account the autonomy of the individual and their rights in the context of national and international legal mandates.