mental retardation, specialist professionals, education, integration

The purpose of the research was to investigate the perceptions of specialists for the education of people with mental retardation based on the processing of open questionnaires which were completed by 35 professionals employed in the prefecture of Thessaloniki. According to the data analysis, most professionals agree that students with mental retardation have specific cognitive and social difficulties, which can be addressed with appropriate educational practices. In addition, most argue that the ultimate goal of education should be to promote the autonomy and social integration of these children. Finally, the participants believe that the development of these students and the achievement of their integration require the training of teachers, close cooperation with students" families and the awareness of society.