Towards inclusive education: Experiences from implementing the InterACT program in Poland

The InterACT (Attitude Change and Tolerance) program is a preventive anti-discrimination educational program that promotes acceptance of stuttering and diversity among preschool and early school-age children. Although the program's effectiveness in shaping appropriate attitudes has been previously confirmed, there has been a lack of research focusing on the experiences of those implementing it. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of individuals who implemented InterACT in Poland with particular emphasis on perceived benefits and challenges. Participants included speech and language therapists, students, teachers, and psychologists, each of whom facilitated the implementation of the program at least one time. A mixed-methods approach was used, including a survey (n = 51) and semi-structured interviews (n = 7). The quantitative results confirmed high evaluations of the program's usefulness, ease of implementation and positive impact on children's attitudes toward stuttering and diversity. Qualitative analysis revealed the potential for modifying the program according to the group's needs, as well as the crucial role of the facilitator in its effectiveness. Respondents also highlighted the need for additional training on managing complex reactions from children and clarification of instructions in the educational materials. These findings support the program's continued implementation in Polish educational institutions and indicate its potential in anti-discrimination education.