Attitudes of Undergraduate Students toward People with Intellectual Disabilities: Considerations for Future Policy Makers

Individuals' attitudes impact the decisions they make in life. These attitudes are often formed early and are maintained by individuals throughout their lives. Attitudes toward individuals with disabilities were compared for undergraduate students enrolled in introductory special education and political science courses. This population was selected as policy makers typically enroll in introductory political science classes as undergraduates. Students enrolled in the special education course had more positive attitudes towards persons with intellectual disabilities and females, regardless of major, had more positive attitudes than males. This study provides information as to the attitudes future policy makers may have towards individuals with intellectual disabilities and may have implications for future education and policy makers regarding people with intellectual disabilities or other disabilities. (Contains 4 tables.)