Attitude Research According to the latest in attitude studies of the general public and the media, the world has a misperception problem. It thinks that people with intellectual disabilities are not capable and competent individuals. Misperceptions are the biggest barrier to inclusion, and while the world has tried to rectify the wrongs of discrimination for many other minority groups, people with intellectual disabilities stand alone as the silent and forgotten minority. Did you know? The Multinational Study of Attitudes toward Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities shows that the public erroneously believes that the majority of individuals with intellectual disabilities receive equal or better health care. Special Olympics research and programming aims to promote a more realistic image of people with intellectual disabilities and thereby inspire involvement in Special Olympics. Available Special Olympics Attitude Research Multinational Study of Attitudes toward Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (This major international study documents how the general population view persons with intellectual disabilities, and how they should fit into society; it was conducted in 10 countries across the world, with 8,000 persons responding. Commissioned by Special Olympics and conducted by the Center for Social Development and Education at the University of Massachusetts Boston, with support from the Center for Survey Research and the Gallup Organization. The results — available here in both English and Spanish — were presented as part of the Scientific Symposium, held in association with the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games — published June 2003) A Study of Youth Attitudes about Intellectual Disabilities (The Japan Youth Attitude Study was conducted to ascertain knowledge of, and attitudes toward, individuals with intellectual disabilities across a broad spectrum of Japanese youth, building upon the Multinational Study of Attitudes Toward Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities — published February 2005) Media’s Portrayal of People with Intellectual Disabilities (This study provides a first-ever review of the depictions and treatment of people with intellectual disabilities — published February 2005) Attitudes of the Public in South Africa Toward People with Intellectual Disabilities (A survey of more than 800 adults, representing all major cities and randomly selected rural townships from all provinces in South Africa, to gauge public awareness and understanding of Special Olympics; public exposure to and understanding of people with intellectual disabilities; public beliefs about inclusion; and public beliefs about the barriers to inclusion. Includes summary of findings and recommendations — published December 2006) By showcasing the above and similar studies, Special Olympics hopes to inform the public about the competence, value and contributions of the world’s most forgotten and discriminated-against minority group. Through its research and its 40-year history, Special Olympics has found that improved knowledge and perceptions of competence lead to greater willingness to interact with people with intellectual disabilities which, in turn, leads to greater overall inclusion of this population in society. Research studies regarding attitudes of Japanese and American youth toward intellectual disability; media portrayals and their role in influencing the public about intellectual disability; and the training and competency of health care professionals and the impact that has on the health and lives of people with intellectual disabilities were presented during the “Changing Attitudes, Changing the World” Education Forum, held on 25 February at Hotel Okura in Tokyo, Japan. Special Olympics Chairman and CEO Timothy Shriver, in announcing those studies, said that Special Olympics was proud of what had been accomplished, but that several years ago the movement determined to change the culture of Special Olympics. “We needed to change from contented to restless, from proud to dissatisfied," said Shriver. "We needed to act with urgency to launch a joyful battle; joyful in the sense that we are drawing our energy from the spirit of the athletes and their enormous passion and happiness, but a battle against injustice. It is a battle against the most stubborn obstacle our athletes face and that is the attitudes of indifference and intolerance and ignorance and fear that dominate the lives they lead all over the world. It is a chance to reverse the idea of disability and replace it with the idea of diverse ability. “By sharing the accomplishments and skills of Special Olympics athletes with the world, the Special Olympics movement seeks to change attitudes toward people with intellectual disabilities, inspiring acceptance of differences and creating a more caring and peaceful world,” Shriver said.