Tendencies in education of children with disabilities - chances and risks

Abstract

Tendencies, that is directions outlining the development of the theory of special education and the ongoing organizational changes and program transformations in education of children with disabilities, have definitely prointegrating and proinclusive character. In the Polish reality the accession to the European Union in 2004 had undoubtedly a decisive importance for the implementation and dynamic of changes. That membership has imposed certain obligations to respect and implement EU standards also in the organization of education for children and youth, including education for children with special needs. The aim of the study is to illustrate the transformations taking place in the education of children with disabilities in Poland over the decade, coinciding with the accession to the European Union. It is important to investigate specific data presenting hard information about: institutions, forms of education, students with special needs and the types of psycho-pedagogical and financial support. Presented data were obtained from various sources containing statistical information in the field of education.

Keywords

• niepełnosprawność, specjalne potrzeby edukacyjne, edukacja specjalna, integracja, edukacja włączająca, wczesne wspomaganie rozwoju