Attitude Research Attitudes of the Public in South Africa Toward People with Intellectual Disabilities (Survey report – Adobe PDF 235KB – published in 2006) Overcoming negative attitudes is a challenge in every country around the world. Over the past decade, South Africa has made great efforts in recognizing the rights of all its citizens, including those with disabilities. Yet, South Africans with intellectual disabilities still confront major barriers to equality of rights. One significant barrier is the public’s misunderstanding and misperceptions of this population. Special Olympics South Africa is one of a handful of national service agencies that provides services to people with intellectual disabilities. As part of its strategic plan to expand their program and increase the number of athletes, Special Olympics South Africa sought to determine what the public understands of Special Olympics, and their attitudes toward the people Special Olympics serves. Special Olympics commissioned a research team from the University of Massachusetts Boston to survey the public on their knowledge of Special Olympics, their perceptions of people with intellectual disabilities and their beliefs about inclusion, using the Multinational Survey of Attitudes toward Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (2002). By using the Multinational Survey of Attitudes, South Africa would be placed within the context of the global picture, as the Multinational Survey of Attitudes has been carried out in 10 countries. Summary There are a number of important and relevant findings from this study. The first and probably most striking set of findings is the lack of awareness among the public about Special Olympics in South Africa. Less than 40 percent of the public reported knowing about Special Olympics. Even those who say they have heard of Special Olympics often misunderstand its purpose and activities. The public underestimates the competence of people with intellectual disabilities. Because the public underestimates what people with intellectual disabilities can do, the assumption can be made that their exposure has been primarily with people with moderate to severe impairment. It is also possible that that public’s underestimation is the result of how people with intellectual disabilities are portrayed or described in the media. The public in South Africa does not believe that inclusion is a possibility. The majority of the public believes that people with intellectual disabilities should reside with the family, work in separate workshops and attend special schools. Supporting inclusion and disseminating information that dispels the misperceptions of people with intellectual disabilities are important endeavors for Special Olympics South Africa, particularly in light of these findings. It is evident that the public in South Africa needs to be educated about the capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities and about Special Olympics. The public also needs information that will help them revise the negative image they hold of people with intellectual disabilities. The public would also benefit from learning about the value of Special Olympics for athletes, families and even the greater community. Therefore, Special Olympics South Africa could engage in a broader communication/awareness campaign that focuses on informing the public about Special Olympics and the athletes they serve.    < Return to Attitude Research Home page >