| This study utilized an experimental research design to investigate the differences in long-term attitudes towards individuals with disabilities among young adults who had participated in an intervention program designed to develop positive academic and social relationships among students with and without disabilities, and young adults who had not. The Interaction with Disabled Persons Scale was employed to determine if the primary independent variable (P.A.R.T.N.E.R.S. Program) produced more favorable attitudes among participants. After scores from both groups were obtained, central tendency comparisons of the dependent variable were made and inferential statistics t -test analysis was used to perform group comparisons in order to draw conclusions and generalize to the entire population. Results indicated that the P.A.R.T.N.E.R.S. (intervention) graduates possessed a significantly lower mean score, depicting less social discomfort with (more favorable attitude toward) individuals with disabilities. Additional findings from the study regarding the six factor clusters are included and discussed. |
