The latest international study on public attitudes towards individuals with learning disabilities is to be presented at symposium in Belfast later this week.
The survey, one of the most extensive ever undertaken, helps to identify and confirm many of the beliefs that educators, medical professionals and others have had on public attitudes toward individuals with learning disabilities.
The survey, sponsored by Special Olympics, was conducted by Dr Gary Siperstein, director of the Centre for Social Development and Education at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, with the assistance of the Gallup Organisation.
People in 10 countries throughout the world expressed their views of the learning disabled in the workplace; the classroom and society in general. The survey provides important insights on:
• How attitudes of their society affects the inclusion of persons with learning disabilities;
• What the greatest barriers to inclusion are facing persons with learning disabilities in the workplace, classroom, and in society at large;
• Where they feel persons with learning disabilities are best educated;
• To what degree including persons with learning disabilities in the workplace affects safety and productivity;
• Whether persons with learning disabilities receive better healthcare than the general public;
• Media portrayals of persons with learning disabilities;
It also addresses the issue of the best arrangement for persons with learning disabilities who wish to participate in sports. The survey will be used to better identify areas where education, funding and research need to be addressed to improve the lives of persons with learning disabilities. The two-day symposium is being held at the Europa Hotel, Belfast on Thursday and Friday.