Support for students with disabilities in a period of educational change

Abstract

In Poland, the right to education is guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Poland (Article 70). People with disabilities have full access to the free universal education system. The Act of Educational Law published on the 14th of December 2016 (Journal of Laws 2017, Item 59, Article 1, Point 6 & 7) guarantees free and unlimited access to all types of education to students with special educational needs. This is done in accordance with their cognitive, social, and emotional development, educational needs, and predisposition. They are also granted the right to individualized care plans, approaches, and curricula. Students with special educational needs are offered unlimited access to services specializing in compensation, enhancement, and improvement of their wellbeing. The complex and multifaceted approach that is provided for students with disabilities in education is not only to support their comprehensive development but also to develop skills that will allow them to: successfully communicate (verbally and nonverbally), make their own choices, be creative, solve problems, be able to assess the impact of their actions on their lives and their environment, cope in various situations, build their own system of values and beliefs, and be able to work well with others. Support for students with special educational needs should be individually tailored depending on students' age, type and severity of disability, type of service (educational, rehabilitation, occupational) and also on students' interests, talents, and preferences.