SCHOOLS IN CIRCLES AS A FORM OF SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES OF STUDENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES IN THE COMMUNITY – REFLECTIONS OF TEACHERS AND THERAPISTS
SCHOOLS IN CIRCLES AS A FORM OF SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES OF STUDENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES IN THE COMMUNITY – REFLECTIONS OF TEACHERS AND THERAPISTS

Summary/Abstract: Introduction: Schools in Circles is a proposal for informal support activities carried out in thefamily and school environment, involving students with intellectual disabilities and their fami-lies in the local community. It is based on the Circle of Support Model implemented in Polandsince 2015 and the Canadian program “F-Words for Child Development” by the CanChild.Research Aim: The aim of the study was to explore how teachers and therapists of individualswith intellectual disabilities evaluate the actions of Schools in Circles and what experiences,concerns, and methods they have for optimizing activities related to its development.Research Method: Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to examine the opinions andexperiences of the participants. A focus interview was conducted with nine people actively partici-pating in the School in the Circles in various institutions from northern and southern Poland.Results: The analysis allowed for the identification of four main themes: 1) the path to Schoolsin Circles – teachers’ and therapists’ own experiences in promoting and creating Circles of Sup-port, 2) benefits of implementing the project for the student, family, school, and community,3) concerns and threats to the project (issues with engagement from some staff and families,organizational problems), 4) methods for improving activities within Circles of Support.Conclusions: The participants recognize the significant potential and value of activities aimedat building and supporting social relationships in the immediate environment of children withintellectual disabilities, with the goal of creating a safe and friendly future. The results can beutilized by professionals working in educational institutions to improve collaboration with fam-ilies of students with intellectual disabilities and to further develop the concept of Circles ofSupport during the school education stage.

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