J. Except. People 2012, 1(2):45-56

General public and future teachers' attitudes towards people with disabilities and inclusion

Karel Pančocha, Lenka Slepičková
Institut výzkumu inkluzivního vzdělávání, PdF MU, Brno, Czech Republic

This article analyzes the context of inclusive processes in the Czech Republic through attitudes of the general public towards people with disabilities, followed by a study on attitudes of future teachers towards people with disabilities and inclusion. We used data from a questionnaire survey, which used modified version of Bogardus scale of social distance (administered to the general public and students of education), measuring social acceptance of selected groups in society. The questions were aimed to provide information about three types of disabilities (physical, intellectual and sensory) and selected issues concerning inclusive education. The analysis looked closely at the level of acceptance in educational settings. Data showed more positive and accepting attitudes in younger and more educated groups of the general population. Further results show that being a student of a program focused on education is a major factor positively influencing social acceptance of people with different types of disabilities and attitudes towards inclusion.

Keywords: attitudes toward people with disabilities, special education needs, inclusion, disability, Czech Republic

Published: December 11, 2012  Show citation

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Pančocha, K., & Slepičková, L. (2012). General public and future teachers' attitudes towards people with disabilities and inclusion. Journal of Exceptional People, 1(2), 45-56
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