Outcomes of special education programs for students with intellectual disabilities: Family members’ perspectives

It is important to understand family members’ observations and opinions in regards to the programs offered to their children with intellectual disabilities. This study aimed to examine the outcomes of special education programs for students with intellectual disabilities (SWID) from the families’ perspectives. The study sample comprised 150 family members of SWID. The results showed that the progress in both academic and life skills was less than expected. Satisfaction was higher in public schools in comparison with private schools. Participants with children enrolled for a longer time in special education programs expressed significantly less dissatisfaction than those with children enrolled for shorter lengths of time in such programs. The findings suggest the need for more involvement of family members in their children’s educational future, and for more focus to improve students’ life skills. Implications and recommendations to increase the families’ satisfaction in regards the special education programs are discussed.