Societal Attitudes Towards Developmental Disabilites

Question 1

What is the historical overview?

Answer 1

Early characterization of individuals with disabilities
Emergence of special services and support for individuals with disabilities
Equality for individuals considered to have disabilities

Question 2

What are attitudes towards disabilities?

Answer 2

Attitudes are reflected through the concept of social distance
Demographic trends (education, age, gender)
Issues of situations and specific content (increased education and exposure)

Question 3

What is social distance?

Answer 3

Willingness to recognize, live near and interact with someone

Question 4

What is changing our attitudes?

Answer 4

Improving societal attitudes promotes increased interaction
Attitude theories
Suggestions that changing attitudes is just not enough
Focus on changing socio-educational culture from differing perspective

Question 5

What are the attitude theories?

Answer 5

Long -term attitudinal and behavioral change through education and increased contact
Related to time and length of exposure

Question 6

When are attitudes favourable?

Answer 6

Where contact is combined with supportive environment
Positive environments increase with education and awareness
Produce long term effects

Question 7

What is the socio - educational culture that can change?

Answer 7

Program admin
Evaluation
Instruction and curriculum
Long term planning
Story telling