Impact of an Inclusive Postsecondary Education Program on Implicit and Explicit Attitudes Toward Intellectual...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Special Education
• Sociology

Background:

• Stigma surrounding intellectual disability (ID) negatively impacts individuals.
• Inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs yield positive outcomes for students with ID.
• The impact of IPSE on typically matriculating students' attitudes toward ID requires examination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how participation in an IPSE program affects the attitudes of typically matriculating college students toward intellectual disability.
• To compare explicit and implicit attitude changes between IPSE volunteer peer mentors and a control group.

Main Methods:

• Attitudes toward ID were measured at the beginning and end of a semester.
• Participants included 17 IPSE volunteer peer mentors and 14 uninvolved students.
• The Attitudes Toward Intellectual Disability Questionnaire (ATTID) was used to assess discomfort.

Main Results:

• Volunteer peer mentors reported reduced discomfort after their IPSE experience.
• Volunteers exhibited greater knowledge of the causes of ID compared to nonvolunteers.
• IPSE volunteers showed a stronger preference for interacting with individuals with ID.

Conclusions:

• Volunteer involvement in IPSE programs positively influences attitudes toward people with intellectual disability.
• IPSE can be an effective strategy for reducing stigma and promoting positive intergroup relations.
• Findings support the benefits of inclusive educational models for all students involved.