AN INVESTIGATION OF CHILDREN'S ATTITUDES TOWARDS PHYSICALLY DISABLED PEERS

Abstract

With the concept of mainstreaming of handicapped children being at the forefront of special education, and the stipulations imposed by P.L. 94-142 regarding public school education for all handicapped children, normal children are more in contact with children demonstrating disabilities than they previously have been. The school is a major institution affecting a child's socialization. A major aspect of the socialization process is the development of attitudes towards other people. It seems appropriate, then, to investigate the attitudes that physically able-bodied children have towards their physically disabled peers, and at what age these attitudes emerge.