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A Review of Attitudes and Disability

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 February 2016

Robert A. J. Warren
Robert A. J. Warren*
Affiliation:
Walkabout Adult Training Centre, Hobart.
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Extract

The aim of this paper is to bring together recent research that illustrates society’s attitudes towards disabled people. In so doing historical and traditional attitudes — and consequent service provisions are examined briefly both to draw comparisons and to exemplify changes that have occurred. Specific mention is also made of research that has sought to analyse techniques utilised (consciously or otherwise) in affecting change- in order to consider the implications both for organisations promoting the interests of disabled people and for research in this area.

Within society generally the terms ‘disability’ and ‘handicap’ are often used in an interchangeable manner — the context of their usage being dependent upon the user’s particular background, interests, and experience. This ambivalence has been reflected in Australian legislation and statutory rules (for a fuller discussion see Smith, 1980). However, within specific interest groups of disabled people and those who work with them, distinctions are being clarified. The term ‘disability’ is seen to refer to the reduction or loss of physical (i.e. motor, sensory or mental) structure or function while ‘handicap’ includes the personal, environmental and social consequences of a disability. Indeed perceptions held by others may create more difficulties for the individual than the disability itself.

For the purposes of this review the term ‘attitudes’ is used in a broad sense to refer to an “individual’s predisposed thoughts, feelings and actions towards others” (Cho, 1981, p.21), without differentiating between beliefs and values. It is readily recognised that individual attitudes are formed from a wide base of variables such as economic, social and cultural factors; family attitudes; religious groups; past experiences; peer groups and specific personality traits. Similarly the complexity of interacting factors which contribute to change of attitudes is also recognised. Therefore, in order to put indications of change in perspective, an overview of critical factors affecting attitudes towards the disabled is first attempted.

Type
Viewpoints and Reports
Information
Australasian Journal of Special Education , Volume 9 , Issue 2 , November 1985 , pp. 28 - 32
Copyright
Copyright © The Australian Association of Special Education 1985

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