title: An evaluation of the Kids are Kids disability awareness program: increasing social inclusion among children with physical disabilities.
abstract: Despite the intent of integration to promote positive social interactions between children with and without disabilities, there is growing concern that many children with special needs who are in inclusive settings feel socially isolated. The evaluation of interventions designed to promote disability awareness is critical if we are to increase opportunities for social success for these children. This research study was designed to determine whether the Kids Are Kids (KAK) program can positively impact the attitudes of children toward their peers with physical disabilities, as well as increase the social inclusion of these children. Results suggest that the KAK program had a positive impact on the attitudes of children toward their peers with disabilities, immediately following the program. Where social skill building was provided to 1 target child, attitude scores for that class remained elevated 1 month after the program. Two of the 3 target children reported increased social inclusion 1 month after the program.
authors.affiliation: John McGivney Children's Centre, Windsor, Ontario, Canada. wendy.tavares@jmccentre.ca
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Tavares
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001290:Attitude; D001364:Awareness; D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D019988:Children with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D012928:Social Desirability; D012951:Socialization; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires