Enhancing Behavioral Intentions and Cognitive Attitudes of Typical Children towards Children with Disabilities

Abstract

A variety of national (Wall, Wheaton & Zuver, 2009) and international (Carter & Spencer, 2006) studies have reported that children with disabilities are at least two to three times more likely to be victims of bullying than their typical peers. Since half of all preschool children with identified disabilities are now educated alongside their typically developing peers (Diamond & Hong, 2010), it is imperative to reduce bullying behaviors and to enhance sensitivity to peers with disabilities in the classroom (Campbell et al., 2000). Based on Rosenthal’s (1989) Affect/Effort Theory, children tend to place more effort in their interactions with others if they have higher expectations of their peer’s capabilities. Siperstein et al. (2007) suggested that it’s critical to showcase the competencies, capabilities and strengths of children with disabilities. The following research assesses the impact of Realabilities, an animated TV show and graphic novel series created by the first author, in enhancing the cognitive attitudes (as measured by a modified Adjective Checklist [ACL; Siperstein & Bak, 1977]) and behavioral intentions (as measured by a modified Shared Activities Questionnaire [SAQ; Morgan et al., 1996]) of typical children towards their peers with disabilities. Realabilities emphasizes the strengths of five characters with disabilities (Autism, ADHD, Visual Impairment, Hearing Impairment and Physical Impairment) who harness their special competencies to save their school from bullies. Significant findings from Paired and Independent Samples T-tests will be presented along with demographic and qualitative data to evaluate three storyboarded episodes, a fully animated episode, and the graphic novel series of Realabilities in enhancing the attitudes of typical elementary school children towards their peers with disabilities. Future directions, including a Realabilities Puppet Musical to sensitize preschool children and virtual reality simulations to sensitize teachers, special educators and typical middle school students to individuals with disabilities, will also be discussed. KeywordsAutism, Disabilities, Attitudes, Intentions, Sensitivity.