Growing up in an inclusive world : second and fifth grade students' attitudes toward peers with disabilities : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

Changes in special education law mandate children with disabilities be educated in general education settings whenever possible. This provides opportunities for typical students to learn and interact with a diverse group of peers. Drawing upon prior research conducted with young children (Cohen & Lopatto, 1995), the present study examined the age related factors that impact childrens attitudes toward peers with disabilities. Second and fifth grade students were shown pictures of children with observable disabilities and children without observable disabilities. They were then asked to answer a series of questions about the children in the pictures and about persons with disabilities in general. It was hypothesized that there would be significant differences in the responses of participants according to age. Two types of analyses supported this prediction.