I read an article in the Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities titled “Young Children’s Attitudes Toward Peers with Intellectual Disabilities:  Effect of the Type of School.”  I found this article interesting, yet not surprising. The study consisted of two hundred and fifty-six Greek children aged 9–10 (135 in inclusive settings). They completed a questionnaire and an adjective list to indicate their attitudes towards peers with intellectual disabilities. They were also shown a picture and drew a child with intellectual disabilities, commenting also on their drawings. Those students who had more exposure to students with disabilities were more accepting and compassionate of the other students.  They tended to include them more in activities and were somewhat more protective of the disabled students. The article also went on to explain how these attitudes impacts the disabled students and how excluding them negatively impacts their social growth. This article supports inclusion in the classroom to foster learning for all students equally. I completely support inclusion in the classroom whenever possible

 

Citation:  Georgiadi, M., Kalyva, E., Kourkoutas, E., & Tsakiris, V. (2012). Young Children's Attitudes Toward Peers with Intellectual Disabilities: Effect of the Type of School. Journal Of Applied Research In Intellectual Disabilities,. 25(6), 531-541.