The education of multiple disabled children and adults in Greece: the voices and experiences of parents and parent associations

The aim of this research is to take a first step towards shedding some light in the education of MD students in Greece by focusing on the experiences of parents as they accompany their children through their journey. In the first phase of the study semi structured interviews conducted with parents provided a more personal account of the situation. In the second phase, the same topic was approached through a survey addressed to the representatives of all parent associations for children and adults with multiple and severe disabilities in Greece, which provided the collective perspective. The data was analysed using thematic content analysis and statistical analysis for social research. The first phase revealed that the education of MD children and adults is viewed as a personal case and responsibility of the families. The findings from the second phase indicate that the parent associations have ideologically adopted a more social perspective and struggle towards the educational and social inclusion of MD children and adults. However, often they are forced to assume the role of filling the gaps of the non-existent public social provision. The inclusion of MD children and adults into the Greek educational system, not merely as presence but as equal participators, requires the total reform of the social, and by extension the educational system. MD students are still placed on the margin of policies, of the educational and social life, and often of our thoughts and consideration