The opinions of foster parents on the personal level of cooperation with teachers in the context of children’s special educational needs. A scientific report

Children from foster families are a specific group of students because they are often disabled, have special needs, difficulties and experienced violence or neglect. Foster parents have to face challenges related to their upbringing. The text is a scientific report presenting the opinions of foster parents on their cooperation with teachers. For this purpose, an interpretative paradigm was adopted and phenomenography was applied. The subjects (21 foster parents of school-age children) participated in three focus group interviews. Qualitative data analysis was used to identify positive and negative aspects of the foster parents’ experiences in cooperation with the school. The article is focused on the personal level of this cooperation. The answers provided by the parents in the study reveal predominance of negative experiences and emotions in this respect. The subjects pointed to such problems as: failure to notice and understand children’s problems/difficulties, the lack of individualization, maladjusted requirements, incompetence of teachers and the absence of informational feedback from the school. However, some respondents noticed positive elements of cooperation with teachers, such as the ability to recognize the child’s needs and problems by teachers and educators, sharing information about the child, taking into account the information provided by parents and adapting requirements to the child’s abilities. The results were used to develop recommendations aimed at improving cooperation between the school and foster parents.Children from foster families are a specific group of students because they are often disabled, have special needs, difficulties and experienced violence or neglect. Foster parents have to face challenges related to their upbringing. The text is a scientific report presenting the opinions of foster parents on their cooperation with teachers. For this purpose, an interpretative paradigm was adopted and phenomenography was applied. The subjects (21 foster parents of school-age children) participated in three focus group interviews. Qualitative data analysis was used to identify positive and negative aspects of the foster parents’ experiences in cooperation with the school. The article is focused on the personal level of this cooperation. The answers provided by the parents in the study reveal predominance of negative experiences and emotions in this respect. The subjects pointed to such problems as: failure to notice and understand children’s problems/difficulties, the lack of individualization, maladjusted requirements, incompetence of teachers and the absence of informational feedback from the school. However, some respondents noticed positive elements of cooperation with teachers, such as the ability to recognize the child’s needs and problems by teachers and educators, sharing information about the child, taking into account the information provided by parents and adapting requirements to the child’s abilities. The results were used to develop recommendations aimed at improving cooperation between the school and foster parents

Značaj dodira i kontakata očima u Poljskoj zajednici gluhih tijekom konverzacije poljskim znakovnim jezikom: etnografske opservacije

Some people with hearing impairments belong to a special community: the Deaf Community. They use natural sign language (in Poland it is Polish Sign Language – Polski Język Migowy, PJM) to communicate and they appreciate this form of communication. Using sign language includes specific behaviours such as eye-contact and touch. Sometimes these behaviours are typical of the Deaf Community but atypical of hearing people. Thus, the aim of this research was to show the specificity of touch and eye contact among Deaf people. Ethnographic observation was used as the research method. The Deaf Community was filmed in their natural meeting places (e.g. community meetings, celebrations, family homes). More than 4 hours of recordings were transcribed and analysed. Film analysis showed certain characteristics of eye contact (frequency, making and interrupting eye contact) and characteristics of touch contact (parts of the body touched, frequency of touching, use of touch to make contact with another person). This study provides insights into the differences between Deaf and hearing people, which may help to reduce the mutual distance between the two groups.Neke osobe s oštećenjem sluha pripadaju posebnoj zajednici: zajednici Gluhih. One za komunikaciju koriste prirodni znakovni jezik (u Poljskoj to je poljski znakovni jezik: PJM Polski Język Migowy) i cijene taj način komunikacije. Upotreba znakovnog jezika uključuje specifična ponašanja, poput kontakta očima i dodira. Ponekad su ta ponašanja tipična za zajednicu Gluhih, ali netipična za čujuće osobe. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je utvrditi specifičnosti kontakta očima i dodira u komunikaciji gluhih osoba primjenom etnografske opservacije kao istraživačke metode. Video snimanja komunikacije u zajednici Gluhih provedena su na mjestima njihova okupljanja (tijekom sastanaka, proslava, u obiteljskom domu). Izvršena je transkripcija i analiza više od 4 sata konverzacija. Analiza zapisa pokazala je određene karakteristike kontakta očima ( učestalost, uspostavljanje i prekidanje kontakta očima) te karakteristika kontakta dodirom (dijelove tijela koji se dodiruju, učestalost dodirivanja, korištenje dodira za uspostavljanje kontakta s drugom osobom). Ovo istraživanje pruža uvide u razlike između zajednice Gluhih i zajednice čujućih osoba koje mogu pomoći međusobnom približavanju dviju zajednica

Značaj dodira i kontakata očima u Poljskoj zajednici gluhih tijekom konverzacije poljskim znakovnim jezikom: etnografske opservacije

Some people with hearing impairments belong to a special community: the Deaf Community. They use natural sign language (in Poland it is Polish Sign Language – Polski Język Migowy, PJM) to communicate and they appreciate this form of communication. Using sign language includes specific behaviours such as eye-contact and touch. Sometimes these behaviours are typical of the Deaf Community but atypical of hearing people. Thus, the aim of this research was to show the specificity of touch and eye contact among Deaf people. Ethnographic observation was used as the research method. The Deaf Community was filmed in their natural meeting places (e.g. community meetings, celebrations, family homes). More than 4 hours of recordings were transcribed and analysed. Film analysis showed certain characteristics of eye contact (frequency, making and interrupting eye contact) and characteristics of touch contact (parts of the body touched, frequency of touching, use of touch to make contact with another person). This study provides insights into the differences between Deaf and hearing people, which may help to reduce the mutual distance between the two groups.Neke osobe s oštećenjem sluha pripadaju posebnoj zajednici: zajednici Gluhih. One za komunikaciju koriste prirodni znakovni jezik (u Poljskoj to je poljski znakovni jezik: PJM Polski Język Migowy) i cijene taj način komunikacije. Upotreba znakovnog jezika uključuje specifična ponašanja, poput kontakta očima i dodira. Ponekad su ta ponašanja tipična za zajednicu Gluhih, ali netipična za čujuće osobe. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je utvrditi specifičnosti kontakta očima i dodira u komunikaciji gluhih osoba primjenom etnografske opservacije kao istraživačke metode. Video snimanja komunikacije u zajednici Gluhih provedena su na mjestima njihova okupljanja (tijekom sastanaka, proslava, u obiteljskom domu). Izvršena je transkripcija i analiza više od 4 sata konverzacija. Analiza zapisa pokazala je određene karakteristike kontakta očima ( učestalost, uspostavljanje i prekidanje kontakta očima) te karakteristika kontakta dodirom (dijelove tijela koji se dodiruju, učestalost dodirivanja, korištenje dodira za uspostavljanje kontakta s drugom osobom). Ovo istraživanje pruža uvide u razlike između zajednice Gluhih i zajednice čujućih osoba koje mogu pomoći međusobnom približavanju dviju zajednica

Work in the Experience of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities. A Focus Group Research Report

Although the literature recognizes the benefits of work and employment for people with intellectual disabilities, there is little research devoted to their experiences presented from their own perspective. This article is a report on a phenomenographic focus study conducted in four groups of adults with moderate or mild intellectual disabilities. The main aim of the research was to understand the experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities related to work and employment and the meanings given to them. A total of 34 people took part in the research. As a result of the analysis, three areas were identified to which the participants referred when talking about work and employment: (1) their own person – dreams, expectations, imaginations, opportunities, beliefs, and experiences, (2) the environment – environmental patterns, support and barriers, recruitment for work and labour market opportunities, and (3) meanings given to work – a source of income / fulfilling material, social, emotional needs (satisfaction) and an opportunity for self-development / self-realization. The obtained findings have important implications for families, practitioners, and social policy regarding the employment of individuals with intellectual disabilities.Mimo że w literaturze dostrzega się korzyści wynikające z pracy i zatrudnienia dla osób z niepełnosprawnością intelektualną, niewiele badań poświęconych jest ich doświadczeniom i przeżyciom prezentowanym z ich własnej perspektywy. Artykuł stanowi raport z fenomenograficznych badań fokusowych prowadzonych w czterech grupach dorosłych osób z niepełnosprawnością intelektualną w stopniu umiarkowanym lub lekkim. Głównym celem badań było zrozumienie doświadczeń i przeżyć dorosłych osób z niepełnosprawnością intelektualną związanych z pracą i zatrudnieniem oraz nadawanych im przez te osoby znaczeń. Łącznie badaniom poddano 34 osoby. W wyniku analiz wyłoniono trzy obszary, do których uczestnicy odnosili się, mówiąc o pracy i zatrudnieniu: (1) ich własna osoba - marzenia, oczekiwania, wyobrażenia, możliwości, przekonania i doświadczenia, (2) środowisko - wzorce środowiskowe, wsparcie i bariery, rekrutacja do pracy i możliwości rynku pracy oraz (3) znaczenia nadawane pracy - źródło utrzymania/ zaspokojenia potrzeb bytowych/materialnych, społecznych, emocjonalnych (satysfakcja, zadowolenie) oraz szansa na samorozwój/samorealizację. Uzyskane wyniki pozwoliły na opracowanie implikacji dla rodziców, praktyków i polityki społecznej w obszarze zatrudnienia osób z niepełnosprawnością intelektualną

Wyznaczniki kształtujące sytuację ucznia z niepełnosprawnością w klasie ogólnodostępnej i integracyjnej – analiza dostępnych badań

Integrative/inclusive education has become a reality, but its effects on students with disabilities are not always obvious. The paper, which is based on the analysis of available research, shows multidimensional determinants of the success of school integration/inclusion of students with disabilities. The authors focused on the main aspects: school achievement and peer relationships which shape the situation of these students.Integrative/inclusive education has become a reality, but its effects on students with disabilities are not always obvious. The paper, which is based on the analysis of available research, shows multidimensional determinants of the success of school integration/inclusion of students with disabilities. The authors focused on the main aspects: school achievement and peer relationships which shape the situation of these students

The resources of adults taking care of their elderly parents at home – a research report

Considering the increased demographic aging and system changes in the welfare system in Poland, home care became one of the most important forms of taking care of disabled or elderly persons. Although the country is rooted in the idea of a nanny state, based on large institutions and providing minimum income, for a long time now family has been considered as the basic provider of informal care to the elderly. The aim of the present study is to give some insight into the resources of adult children providing care to their elderly, disabled parents. In order to acquire a comprehensive perception of the phenomenon, the authors chose an interpretavist paradigm and applied a phenomenographic method. 21 participants, aged 41–65, who were caregivers of their parents, took part in semi-structured interviews. Two main research problems were formulated: (1) How do the participants perceive their resources as caregivers of their elderly, disabled parents? (2) What kind of support related to the care of their parents do they consider essential? Results: The participants distinguish two main kinds of resources: internal (e.g. values, passions, feelings for parents, economic situation) and external (e.g. parents, family, friends, professionals, medical equipment and centers they have access to). The narratives of the participants also indicate a number of needs they experience. Implications for practice are discussed.Considering the increased demographic aging and system changes in the welfare system in Poland, home care became one of the most important forms of taking care of disabled or elderly persons. Although the country is rooted in the idea of a nanny state, based on large institutions and providing minimum income, for a long time now family has been considered as the basic provider of informal care to the elderly. The aim of the present study is to give some insight into the resources of adult children providing care to their elderly, disabled parents. In order to acquire a comprehensive perception of the phenomenon, the authors chose an interpretavist paradigm and applied a phenomenographic method. 21 participants, aged 41–65, who were caregivers of their parents, took part in semi-structured interviews. Two main research problems were formulated: (1) How do the participants perceive their resources as caregivers of their elderly, disabled parents? (2) What kind of support related to the care of their parents do they consider essential? Results: The participants distinguish two main kinds of resources: internal (e.g. values, passions, feelings for parents, economic situation) and external (e.g. parents, family, friends, professionals, medical equipment and centers they have access to). The narratives of the participants also indicate a number of needs they experience. Implications for practice are discussed

Poszukiwanie rodzin adopcyjnych/zastępczych dla dzieci z niepełnosprawnością z wykorzystaniem mediów społecznościowych – głos profesjonalistów

Introduction: Creating families for children with disabilities is more difficult than for non-disabled children due to the smaller number of willing candidates for adoptive/ foster parents. This is being met by social media with information about children in need and candidates for adoptive/foster parents. Research Aim: The aim of the research was to find out the reflections of professionals involved in the creation of adoptive and foster families towards spontaneous social activities using the Internet to find a family for a child with a disability.Method: A qualitative approach was used. The research method was Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis - IPA. Data were obtained using an interview.Results: The analysis of the interviews identified five main themes: the social situation of children with disabilities in Poland; selected standard elements of the procedure for creating adoptive and foster families; a critical assessment of the current situation; the activities of groups on social media in the search for adoptive/ foster families for a child with disabilities; the effects of the activities of such groups, including pros and cons of the situation.Conclusion: Interviewees perceive opportunities created by social media, e.g. a faster flow of information regarding children in need and parent candidates, more decision-making for candidates, the possibility to get to know a specific child. Respondents also see some dangers arising from a process: greater likelihood of incorrect family selection for a child, the possibility of 'objectifying' the child and losing the idea of the 'child welfare', lack of precise legal regulations.Wprowadzenie: Tworzenie dla dzieci z niepełnosprawnością rodzin adopcyjnych/zastępczych jest trudniejsze niż w przypadku dzieci pełnosprawnych ze względu na mniejszą liczbę chętnych kandydatów na rodziców. Naprzeciw temu wychodzą media społecznościowe, w których pojawiają się informacje o potrzebujących dzieciach oraz zgłaszają się kandydaci na rodziców w odpowiedzi na konkretne ogłoszenie. Cel badań: Celem badań było poznanie stanowiska osób profesjonalnie zajmujących się tworzeniem rodzin adopcyjnych i zastępczych wobec oddolnych działań społecznych wykorzystujących Internet w celu znalezienia rodziny dla dziecka z niepełnosprawnością. Metoda badań: Zastosowano podejście jakościowe. Metodą badań była interpretacyjna analiza fenomenologiczna – IPA (ang. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis). Dane zostały pozyskane z wykorzystaniem wywiadu.Wyniki: Analiza wywiadów wyłoniła pięć głównych tematów: sytuacja społeczna dzieci z niepełnosprawnością w Polsce; wybrane standardowe elementy procedury tworzenia rodzin adopcyjnych i zastępczych; krytyczna ocena obecnej sytuacji; działania grup na portalach społecznościowych w zakresie szukania rodzin adopcyjnych/zastępczych dla dziecka z niepełnosprawnością; efekty działań takich grup, w tym dostrzegane szanse i zagrożenia.Wnioski: Badane zauważają szanse, które stwarzają media społecznościowe, np. szybszy przepływ informacji dotyczących potrzebujących dzieci i kandydatów na rodziców, większa decyzyjność kandydatów, możliwość poznania konkretnego dziecka. Badane widzą też pewne zagrożenia: większe prawdopodobieństwo nieprawidłowego doboru rodziny do dziecka, możliwość „uprzedmiotowienia” dziecka i zagubienia idei „dobra dziecka”, brak dokładnych uregulowań prawnych

How to Reconcile Humanism with Biologism – a Challenge of Contemporary Special Needs Education

This article presents how special needs education utilizes the attainments of other sciences such as the humanities, social, medical, biological sciences, or neuroscience. On the one hand, contemporary special needs pedagogy should cherish a humanistic approach to people with various kinds of disabilities, and on the other hand it should follow the expanding knowledge of other studies. Thanks to such an interdisciplinary approach, rehabilitative successes become possible with simultaneous care for the dignity of the disabled and avoidance of eugenic aspirations.347171Studia Edukacyjn

Masculinity with Disability in the Context of Employment and Unemployment Consequences: A Review of Theoretical Concepts and Research

The paper presents a review of concepts of masculinity with disability related to work, employment and unemployment problems. The authors evoke foreign and Polish research paying attention to a number of studies that have focused on the issue, exploring gender differences in the society [1]. Specifically, general definitions of masculinity within cultural contexts and masculinity with disability related to work domains are explored. The article also contains the issues connected with post-secondary education and vocational training, forms of support of employment of adults with disabilities as well as the effects of unemployment in case of males with disabilitie

Masculinity as Defined by Males Self-Advocates with Intellectual Disabilities: A Focus Group Research Report

The paper presents the report analysis of the research undertaken in collaboration with male self-advocates with the usage of a focus group methodology. In the explanatory study the researchers explore topics of masculinity conceptualization of 9 males with intellectual disabilities. The main research question was: how do males with intellectual disabilities conceptualize masculinity? The main themes that emerged from the data collected in the interviews include: the males’ identification with masculinity, their perceptions of masculinity, male role models and roles associated with it