ATTITUDES TOWARD DISABLED PERSONS AS EXPRESSED BY STATE AND PRIVATE REHABILITATION PERSONNEL

Scope of Study. The attitudes toward disabled persons held by rehabilitation personnel may be related to the rehabilitation of disabled persons. Research has shown that clientele of rehabilitation personnel who hold positive attitudes toward disabled persons tend to be more successful in completing rehabilitation programs. The present study attempted to determine if differences existed in attitudes toward disabled persons among rehabilitation counselors and rehabilitation evaluation center personnel employed by the Department of Human Services of Oklahoma, and personnel of private sheltered workshops in Oklahoma. The study also attempted to determine if the selected demographic variables of educational level, years of work experience with disabled persons, and disability were related to attitudes toward disabled persons. Subjects were mailed questionnaire packages consisting of the Attitudes Toward Disabled Persons Scale (Form A) and a demographic information sheet. Seventy-eight percent (235) of the 302 subjects responded with usable data.;Findings and Conclusions. Analysis indicate no significant differences exist in attitudes toward disabled persons among the three rehabilitation personnel groups. However, all three rehabilitation groups expressed somewhat less positive attitudes than expected. Analyses also indicate that the demographic variables of education, years of work experience with disabled persons, and disability were related to attitudes toward disabled persons. Further research concerning the attitudes toward disabled persons held by the rehabilitation personnel groups was recommended. Further research was also recommended concerning such attitudes and the demographic variables above.