'Just like you': a disability awareness programme for children that enhanced knowledge, attitudes and acceptance: pilot study findings.
OBJECTIVE
Participation of people with disabilities is influenced by environmental and contextual factors. Disability awareness programmes aim to increase knowledge and acceptance of disability. This study evaluated a disability awareness programme for students aged 9-11 in Australia.


METHODS
Pre-post questionnaires and focus groups evaluated the programme. The intervention took a cognitive-behavioural approach including a person with a disability co-presenting. Students (n = 147) participated in two sessions of discussions, written activities, demonstrations and disability simulation activities.


RESULTS
Significant improvements (p < 0.001) in knowledge, attitudes and acceptance of disability were evident immediately following the intervention. Focus group analyses further demonstrated these findings.


CONCLUSIONS
A brief disability awareness programme for children improved knowledge, attitudes and acceptance of disability in the short-term. Further research is required to identify the potential impact of such programmes on inclusion and social participation of people with disabilities both inside and outside of the school setting.
Ison
Nicole
N
University of Western Sydney, Equity and Diversity Unit, Penrith South, Sydney, Australia. n.ison@uws.edu.au
McIntyre
Sarah
S
Rothery
Sophie
S
Smithers-Sheedy
Hayley
H
Goldsmith
Shona
S
Parsonage
Samantha
S
Foy
Liz
L
D001294:Attitude to Health; D001315:Australia; D002648:Child; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups / Q000379:methods; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires