Introduction. A child’s disability always, to differing degrees, affects the fulfilment of the function of a family, shapes intra-family relationships, and determines the family lifestyle. Family life abounds in numerous and varied demanding situations, which can be both an insurmountable problem, and a challenge that one just has to face – alone or with such important social support. Aim. The aim of the research is to show the functioning of families with children with intellectual disabilities. Due to the complexity of the issues, only selected aspects of family functioning were diagnosed, showing at the same time changes in the realization of family functions as a result of the appearance of children with intellectual disabilities. Methods. The study had the qualitative character using the method of individual cases. The interview technique and the disposition to the interview were used. The research group consisted of 15 families of children with intellectual disabilities. Interviews were conducted with 12 mothers and 3 fathers of pupils receiving various forms of special education, attending elementary schools in Zielona Góra. Results and conclusions. The study shows the functioning of families with children with disabilities. Undoubtedly, we can speak about dynamic changes and modifications in the almost all functions performed by families. The functioning of families experiencing a child’s disability is affected by many factors: coping with the demanding situation by parents, their process of adaptation to the child’s disability, the level of child’s functioning, and the social support.