Changing Children's Perceptions of Handicapped People

Abstract
Seventy-four children, ages 7 to 9 years, were randomly assigned to two groups. One group received a pretest measure of perceptions of handicapped people. Both groups then participated in a 5 hour program of activities planned to enable the children to perceive and experience the needs of handicapped people and to synthesize their perceptions. The activities included simulations, interactions with handicapped people, and discussions. Posttest scores demonstrated significant positive changes in the children's perceptions of handicapped people.