Attitudes of direct support professionals and management staff towards intellectual disability in specialised services

Abstract

Background

Attitudes towards intellectual disability play an important role in the social inclusion and well-being of persons with intellectual disability. Few studies have examined attitudes of staff working in the specialised service industry, which may have an even greater impact. This study aimed to better understand these attitudes.

Methods

A sample of 157 direct support professionals and 38 managers working with persons with intellectual disability completed the Attitudes Toward Intellectual Disability Questionnaire (ATTID; Morin, Rivard, et al. (2013). Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 57, 279–292). Attitudes were assessed along affective, cognitive, and behavioural dimensions.

Results

Results revealed generally positive attitudes in both groups, but more paternalistic attitudes among managers and less positive attitudes in the general population. Positive attitudes were associated with level of education, frequency and quality of contact, and knowledge about intellectual disabilities.

Conclusion

Workplace training programs addressing the aetiology of intellectual disability and interventions promoting self-determination may help enhance staff attitudes towards intellectual disability.