The aim of this study is to examine how teachers enable students with intellectual disabilities to participate in their own learning journey. The study is based on qualitative methods and data collection has been done through five individual interviews in another European country. The interviews are analysed with a qualitative method inspired by Bryman (2011). The studies theoretical frame is founded on thoughts of Dewey (1997; 2002; 2004).   The results of this study shows, among other things, that good relationship between adults in school and students are an important base for participation. To build a good relationship to the students, the teacher has to have good knowledge of each individual student and its disability. To create conditions for students participation in their own learning it is important to ground the education and teaching on meaningful learning based on the students interests. The students need to see their own development through small steps. It is significant that the students know what and why they are working with each assignment. That enables their participation in their own learning journey. Another thing that the results of the study show, is that the context of the school enables students participating. It is about the schools approach and sharing experience and knowledge with other teachers. It is important that each teacher is involved in a good communication system where they all work towards the same goal for the students.

Studien syftar till att undersöka vilka uppfattningar personal inom funktionshinderområdet har om begreppet delaktighet, samt att få ta del av vilka framgångsfaktorer och hinder personalen möter i arbetet att skapa delaktighet för personer i behov av stöd. För att kunna svara på dessa frågor har en intervjustudie genomförts. Intervjustudien har genomförts med fem boendestödjare på gruppbostäder inom Lagen om stöd och service till vissa funktionshindrade (LSS). Resultatet av studien visar att begreppet delaktighet är ett svårtolkat begrepp som tolkas olika i olika sammanhang och att det därför är viktigt med ett gemensamt språk för att lättare kunna arbeta med delaktighet. I resultatet framkommer även flera framgångsfaktorer som är viktiga i arbetet mot delaktighet. Att ha stor kunskap om funktionsnedsättningarna man möter är av stor vikt, men att ha kunskap om personen man möter är avgörande för att kunna stötta personen i delaktighetsprocessen. Två andra viktiga framgångsfaktorer är att skapa en bra relation till de man möter och att det framförallt ligger hos personalen att vilja skapa en bra relation. För att lyckas med delaktighet krävs ett stort engagemang från organisation och chef, det är de som måste visa vägen. Resultatet i studien visar på att man i arbetet med delaktighet även stöter på hinder som kan påverka möjligheten till delaktighet. Det kan handla om långa processer där förslag och åsikter stannar på vägen och även att det ibland blir viktigare att uppnå resultat än delaktighet. / The study aims at investigating the perceptions of disability staff about the concept of participation, as well as finding out what success factors and obstacles the staff encounter in the work of creating participation for people in need of support. In order to answer these questions, a qualitative research has been conducted. The qualitative method has been conducted through five interviews with staff in group homes under the Support and Service Act for Disabled People (LSS). The results of the study show that the concept of participation is interpreted differently in different contexts, and therefore it is important to have a common language in order to facilitate participation. The result also reveals several success factors that are important in the work towards participation. Having a high level of knowledge about the disabilities you face is crucial, but knowing the person you meet is crucial in order to support the person in the participation process. Two other important success factors are, to create a good relationship with those you meet and to create a good relationship it needs to start with the staff. To success in participation requires a lot of commitment from organization and manager, they are the ones who have to show the way to participation. The result reveals some obstacles that can be encountered in the work.