An investigation into primary children's feelings about physical disability: some implications for special educational needs provision

The aim of the present research was to investigate the feelings of primary aged children towards physical disability and to consider the implications of the findings for those involved in the integration of disabled pupils into mainstream
schools. The study involved pupils from two schools. One of these had disabled children on roll, while the other had no pupils with obvious disabilities. The pupils were from two age groups. Consideration was given to differences between these age groups, gender and ethnic differences and the effects of
contact with disabled pupils. The researcher used semi-structured interviews, repertory grids and open-ended discussions with these pupils. Evidence indicated that there was a significant difference between the age groups. There were also indications of some gender and ethnic differences. It was also apparent that contact with disabled people had a positive influence. Consideration was given to the implications of these findings for integration and some suggestions were
made as to the use of teaching the non disabled about disability, providing cooperative learning scenarios and presenting a programme of social skills teaching.