title: 'Just like you': a disability awareness programme for children that enhanced knowledge, attitudes and acceptance: pilot study findings.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: University of Western Sydney, Equity and Diversity Unit, Penrith South, Sydney, Australia. n.ison@uws.edu.au
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ison
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McIntyre
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rothery
authors.forename: Hayley
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Smithers-Sheedy
authors.forename: Shona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Goldsmith
authors.forename: Samantha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Parsonage
authors.forename: Liz
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Foy
mesh_terms: 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