1 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey 1962 / 2007 Minnesota Survey of Attitudes Regarding Developmental Disabilities prepared for: Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities prepared by: market response international project :: 1776 february 22 :: 2007 Cosponsors: The Arc of Minnesota The Autism Society of Minnesota The Minnesota State Council on Disability Self-Advocates of Minnesota United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota 2 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey project overview A survey of the Minnesota general population was conducted in the summer of 1962, to measure awareness and attitudes regarding (developmental disabilities). The survey was updated and repeated in January 2007 to assess and measure changes during the past 45 years. Preparation of this report was financed in part by Grant Number G001MNBS24 from the US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Developmental Disabilities, under Public Law 106-402. Content of this report does not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Administration on Developmental Disabilities or the Minnesota Department of Administration. 3 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey research design In January 2007, a 20-minute telephone survey was conducted among adults throughout the state of Minnesota. The final sample, n=806, closely corresponded with the Minnesota population, based on income, age and race representation. Given a sample size of 800, one can say with 95% confidence that the error attributable to sampling could be as much as 3.5% in either direction, on proportional results. 4 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey familiarity with developmental disabilities 2007 Survey Introduction, read to all respondents: As you may know, one current issue in Minnesota concerns services for people with developmental disabilities. The term “developmental disability” is an umbrella term that includes mental retardation, cerebral palsy, autism and epilepsy. It is a lifelong condition and means that about 1% - 2% of the Minnesota population has significant or severe disabilities. • 76% of respondents said they were either very or somewhat familiar with developmental disabilities. 5 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey familiarity with developmental disabilities Have you ever known of a person who was thought to have a developmental disability? 1962 Yes 83% (n=900) 2007 Yes 84% (n=806) How well would you say you know him / her? Very Familiar (2007) 42% (1962) 27% Somewhat Familiar (2007) 37% (1962) 35% Slightly Familiar (2007) 17% (1962) 26% Not at all Familiar (2007) 5% (1962) 12% A majority of Minnesotans know someone who has a developmental disability. While this level of awareness has remained unchanged in 45 years, the levels of familiarity with people with developmental disabilities has increased. This is an indication of improvement in integration. 6 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey 1962 - 2007 perceptions: People with developmental disabilities… … should be cared for by the immediate family, as much as possible. (2007) at home. (1962) Agree strongly (2007) 40 (1962) 1 Agree somewhat (2007) 37 (1962) 19 Neither agree / disagree (2007) 9 (Don’t know – 1962) 9 Disagree somewhat (2007) 9 (1962) 58 Disagree strongly (2007) 5 (1962) 13 In 1962 people generally disagreed with the idea of care being provided at home; whereas, in 2007 Minnesotans were predominantly in favor of care by the immediate family, as much as possible. 7 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey 1962 - 2007 perceptions: People with developmental disabilities… … should be kept in an institution Agree strongly (2007) 1 (1962) 4 Agree somewhat (2007) 2 (1962) 31 Neither agree / disagree (2007) 3 (Don’t know – 1962) 10 Disagree somewhat (2007) 18 (1962) 47 Disagree strongly (2007) 78 (1962) 8 Opposition to the idea of institutionalizing people with developmental disabilities grew substantially from 1962 -- when 8% strongly disagreed with the idea -- to 2007, when 78% strongly disagreed. 8 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey 1962 - 2007 perceptions: People with developmental disabilities… … look different from typical people Agree strongly (2007) 7 (1962) 9 Agree somewhat (2007) 29 (1962) 46 Neither agree / disagree (2007) 9 (Don’t know – 1962) 4 Disagree somewhat (2007) 26 (1962) 37 Disagree strongly (2007) 30 (1962) 4 In 2007 Minnesotans were less inclined to think of people with developmental disabilities as looking different from others. 9 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey 1962 - 2007 perceptions: People with developmental disabilities… … can learn to live normal lives Agree strongly (2007) 36 (1962) 4 Agree somewhat (2007) 47 (1962) 60 Neither agree / disagree (2007) 6 (Don’t know – 1962) 8 Disagree somewhat (2007) 8 (1962) 25 Disagree strongly (2007) 3 (1962) 3 From 1962 to 2007 Minnesotans grew stronger in their belief that people with developmental disabilities can learn to live normal lives. 10 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey 1962 - 2007 perceptions: People with developmental disabilities… … have parents with developmental disabilities Agree strongly (2007) 2 (1962) 1 Agree somewhat (2007) 6 (1962) 7 Neither agree / disagree (2007) 9 (Don’t know – 1962) 7 Disagree somewhat (2007) 22 (1962) 58 Disagree strongly (2007) 62 (1962) 27 In both the 1962 and 2007 surveys, a majority of Minnesotans did not believe that people with developmental disabilities had parents with developmental disabilities; however, in 2007 there appeared to be more certainty of that premise. 11 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey 1962 - 2007 perceptions: People with developmental disabilities… … are mentally ill Agree strongly (2007) 3 (1962) 4 Agree somewhat (2007) 12 (1962) 36 Neither agree / disagree (2007) 6 (Don’t know – 1962) 9 Disagree somewhat (2007) 24 (1962) 42 Disagree strongly (2007) 57 (1962) 9 In 1962 40% of Minnesotans agreed with the statement that (people with developmental disabilities) are also mentally ill. In 2007, a greater majority disagreed with that statement. 12 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey 1962 - 2007 integration: People with developmental disabilities… … should be able to use public playgrounds and beaches Agree strongly (2007) 87 (Yes – 1962) 27 Agree somewhat (2007) 11 (Qualified Yes - 1962) 45 Neither agree / disagree (2007) 1 (Don’t know – 1962) 4 Disagree somewhat/strongly (2007) 2 (Strongly No – 1962) 25 In 1962 one out of four Minnesotans were opposed to the idea that people with developmental disabilities should be allowed to use public playgrounds and beaches. In 2007 that opposition was replaced by overwhelming belief in integration. 13 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey 1962 - 2007 integration: People with developmental disabilities… … should be able to attend movie theaters Agree strongly (2007) 77 (Yes – 1962) 32 Agree somewhat (2007) 19 (Qualified Yes - 1962) 43 Neither agree / disagree (2007) 2 (Don’t know – 1962) 5 Disagree somewhat/strongly (2007) 2 (Strongly No – 1962) 20 The degree of certainty that people with developmental disabilities should be allowed to attend movie theaters grew substantially from 1962 to 2007. 14 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey 1962 - 2007 integration: People with developmental disabilities… … should be treated at regular hospitals Agree strongly (2007) 71 (Yes – 1962) 35 Agree somewhat (2007) 19 (Qualified Yes - 1962) 35 Neither agree / disagree (2007) 5 (Don’t know – 1962) 3 Disagree somewhat/strongly (2007) 6 (Strongly No – 1962) 27 The belief that people with developmental disabilities should be treated at regular hospitals grew much stronger over the past 45 years. 15 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey 1962 - 2007 independence: People with developmental disabilities… … should be allowed to drive a car Agree strongly (2007) 6 (Yes – 1962) 2 Agree somewhat (2007) 26 (Qualified Yes - 1962) 20 Neither agree / disagree (2007) 24 (Don’t know – 1962) 3 Disagree somewhat/strongly (2007) 45 (Strongly No – 1962) 75 While there is less opposition to the idea that people with developmental disabilities should be able to drive a car, in 2007 45% were still opposed to the idea, and 24% were uncertain. 16 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey 1962 - 2007 self-determination: People with developmental disabilities… … should be allowed to drink alcohol (liquor - 1962) Agree strongly (2007) 5 (Yes – 1962) 1 Agree somewhat (2007) 20 (Qualified Yes - 1962) 8 Neither agree / disagree (2007) 24 (Don’t know – 1962) 2 Disagree somewhat/strongly (2007) 51 (Strongly No – 1962) 89 While there was less opposition to the idea that people with developmental disabilities should be allowed to drink alcohol, in 2007, half of the state was still opposed to the idea. 17 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey 1962 - 2007 self-determination: People with developmental disabilities… … should be allowed to vote (for president - 1962) Agree strongly (2007) (Yes – 1962) Agree somewhat (2007) (Qualified Yes - 1962) Neither agree / disagree (2007) (Don’t know – 1962) Disagree somewhat/strongly (2007) (Strongly No – 1962) The percent of people who strongly believed that those with developmental disabilities should be allowed to vote more than doubled over the past 45 years, from 15% to 37%. 18 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey attitude statements: integration / inclusion People with developmental disabilities should… be able to use public playgrounds and beaches Disagree Strongly 1 Disagree Somewhat 1 Neither 1 Agree Somewhat 11 Agree Strongly 87 be able to attend movie theaters Disagree Strongly 1 Disagree Somewhat 1 Neither 2 Agree Somewhat 19 Agree Strongly 77 be integrated into society as much as possible Disagree Strongly 1 Disagree Somewhat 1 Neither 1 Agree Somewhat 21 Agree Strongly 77 be included in public places and social events Disagree Strongly 1 Disagree Somewhat 1 Neither 2 Agree Somewhat 21 Agree Strongly 76 be encouraged to get out and be involved in the community Disagree Strongly 0 Disagree Somewhat 0 Neitherb1 Agree Somewhat 23 Agree Strongly 75 be treated at regular hospitals Disagree Strongly 2 Disagree Somewhat 4 Neither 5 Agree Somewhat 19 Agree Strongly 71 percents, based to n = 806 There was strong agreement, on specifics - and in general - that people with developmental disabilities should be integrated into society as much as possible. 19 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey attitude statements: integration / inclusion It’s OK to exclude people with developmental disabilities from many public situations; they cannot be expected to fit in Disagree Strongly 55 Disagree Somewhat 23 Neither 8 Agree Somewhat 12 Agree Strongly 3 If a person with a developmental disability moved into my neighborhood, I’d be concerned Disagree Strongly 79 Disagree Somewhat 13 Neither 4 Agree Somewhat 4 Agree Strongly 1 Everyone would be better off if school-aged children with developmental disabilities were taught together in the same classes as other children Disagree Strongly 14 Disagree Somewhat 23 Neither 12 Agree Somewhat 29 Agree Strongly 23 percents, based to n = 806 Most Minnesotans believe in integration, even when it extends to their own neighborhood; however, there appears to be less agreement about inclusion in the classroom. 20 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey attitude statements: productivity I have a lot of respect for companies that employ people with developmental disabilities Disagree Strongly 1 Disagree Somewhat 1 Neither 2 Agree Somewhat 12 Agree Strongly 85 When society helps people with disabilities live to their highest potential, we’re all better off Disagree Strongly 1 Disagree Somewhat 1 Neither 2 Agree Somewhat 14 Agree Strongly 82 With the right training, most people with developmental disabilities could be very productive workers Disagree Strongly 1 Disagree Somewhat 3 Neither 5 Agree Somewhat 31 Agree Strongly 60 percents, based to n = 806 Minnesotans expressed strong support and positive beliefs that “everyone wins” when people with developmental disabilities are trained, hired and given the opportunity to be employed. 21 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey attitude statements: independence People with developmental disabilities should… be able to drive a car Disagree Strongly 18 Disagree Somewhat 27 Neither 24 Agree Somewhat 26 Agree Strongly 6 not be allowed to live on their own; they need to be closely monitored Disagree Strongly 31 Disagree Somewhat 35 Neither 13 Agree Somewhat 16 Agree Strongly 5 be kept in facilities where they can be provided with the specialized care they need Disagree Strongly 38 Disagree Somewhat 30 Neither 11 Agree Somewhat 17 Agree Strongly 5 percents, based to n = 806 In 2007 45% of Minnesotans did not believe people with developmental disabilities should be allowed to drive a car; and about one in five Minnesotans believed people with developmental disabilities should not be allowed to live on their own. 22 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey attitude statements: self-determination People with developmental disabilities should… be allowed to vote Disagree Strongly 5 Disagree Somewhat 12 Neither 13 Agree Somewhat 34 Agree Strongly 37 be allowed to have children, just like everyone else Disagree Strongly 10 Disagree Somewhat 19 Neither 24 Agree Somewhat 31 Agree Strongly 16 be able to drink alcohol Disagree Strongly 29 Disagree Somewhat 22 Neither 24 Agree Somewhat 20 Agree Strongly 5 percents, based to n = 806 While most Minnesotans believe people with developmental disabilities should be allowed to vote, 29% believed they should not be allowed to have children, and half of those surveyed believed they should not be allowed to drink alcohol. 23 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey attitude statements: self-determination Most people with developmental disabilities should be kept in institutions Disagree Strongly 78 Disagree Somewhat 16 Neither 3 Agree Somewhat 2 Agree Strongly 1 Most people with developmental disabilities are not capable of any real level of self-determination; they need someone else to make most of their daily decisions Disagree Strongly 39 Disagree Somewhat 31 Neither 11 Agree Somewhat 16 Agree Strongly 4 Most people with developmental disabilities can learn to live normal lives Disagree Strongly 3 Disagree Somewhat 8 Neither 6 Agree Somewhat 47 Agree Strongly 36 percents, based to n = 806 The majority of Minnesotans believe that most people with developmental disabilities are capable of living normal lives, and with real levels of self-determination. 24 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey attitude statements: help / assistance Parents of children with developmental disabilities cannot be expected to provide all necessary services themselves Disagree Strongly 3 Disagree Somewhat 8 Neither 6 Agree Somewhat 47 Agree Strongly 36 If someone has a child with a developmental disability that’s their problem. There’s really no reason why the rest of us should have to pay any of the extra costs of raising that child Disagree Strongly 3 Disagree Somewhat 8 Neither 6 Agree Somewhat 47 Agree Strongly 36 Most people with developmental disabilities should be cared for by their immediate family, as much as possible Disagree Strongly 3 Disagree Somewhat 8 Neither 6 Agree Somewhat 47 Agree Strongly 36 percents, based to n = 806 While most Minnesotans believed that the immediate family is in the best position to provide care for a family member with a developmental disability, there was great support for the idea that the family cannot carry the responsibility alone. 25 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey attitude statements: help / assistance When someone is born with a severe disability, we shouldn’t assist them too much, because ultimately it’s survival of the fittest Disagree Strongly 77 Disagree Somewhat 13 Neither 4 Agree Somewhat 4 Agree Strongly 1 Too much money is being spent on people with developmental disabilities Disagree Strongly 48 Disagree Somewhat 25 Neither 21 Agree Somewhat 5 Agree Strongly 1 Society should do everything in its power to help those who are most vulnerable Disagree Strongly 0 Disagree Somewhat 2 Neither 3 Agree Somewhat 19 Agree Strongly 76 percents, based to n = 806 Minnesotans overwhelmingly rejected the concept of survival of the fittest, and were strongly in favor of the idea that society should do everything in its power to help those who are most vulnerable. 26 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey awareness of services As far as you know, what kinds of services are available around here and in the state to help (people with developmental disabilities)? 1962 responses (n = 900) State institutions/ hospitals. . . . . . . . . . 42% Special classes (public schools). . . . . . 24% Day schools/ day care. . . . . . . . . . . . . .13% Other state services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6% Diagnostic centers/ clinics. . . . . . . . . . . .5% Vocational guidance/ workshops. . . . . . .5% Private homes (rest/foster). . . . . . . . . . . 4% Don’t know/ unsure/ not aware . . . . . . .31% 2007 responses (n = 807) Special ed./ schools/ education programs. . . . . 26% Social service/ community, government programs/ etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24% Group homes/ foster homes/ assisted living. . . 22% Private services/ religious organizations/ advocacy groups/ charities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18% Employment/ job training/ job services, occupational training. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14% Insurance/ healthcare/ MinnesotaCare/ Medicare/ medical services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12% Don’t know/ not aware. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30% In 1962 the most top-of-mind service to (people with developmental disabilities) was state institutions/ hospitals, mentioned by four out of ten respondents. However, in 2007 state institutions/ hospitals were rarely if ever mentioned. Thus, there has been a substantial change in perceptions as to the kinds of services that are available in Minnesota to help people with developmental disabilities. 27 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey attitudes towards government services In terms of spending the tax payers’ money, please say whether you agree or disagree that it’s important for government to provide these services: Centers where people with developmental disabilities can learn job skills 98 % agree 14 % select as most important 16 Special classes to educate and train people with developmental disabilities 96 % agree 16 % select as most important Assurance of access to quality health care services 96 % agree 15 % select as most important Protection services to prevent abuse of people with developmental disabilities 94 % agree 13 % select as most important Training and counseling services for parents of people with developmental disabilities 94 % agree 7 % select as most important 10 Research to learn about the causes of developmental disabilities 92 % agree 10 % select as most important In 2007, Minnesotans expressed overwhelming support for a wide range of government services to people with developmental disabilities. The services which were most often selected as most important are shown above. 28 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey attitudes towards government services In terms of spending the tax payers’ money, please say whether you agree or disagree that it’s important for government to provide these services: Specialized training for people with developmental disabilities, and/or their advocates, on how to exercise rights and speak up for oneself 91 % agree 1 % select as most important Provision of personal care attendant services, who assist people with developmental disabilities, to enable them to live more independently, or as they choose 90 % agree 4 % select as most important On the job assistance, so people with developmental disabilities can work in regular businesses 90 % agree 4 % select as most important Subsidies to families to pay for extra costs of caring for children with developmental disabilities 87 % agree 5 % select as most important 29 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey attitudes towards government services In terms of spending the tax payers’ money, please say whether you agree or disagree that it’s important for government to provide these services: Subsidies to adults with developmental disabilities so they can purchase their own homes if they choose to 81 % agree 7 % select as most important Institutions to care for people with developmental disabilities 72 % agree 2 % select as most important Foster homes for children of parents with developmental disabilities 71 % agree 1 % select as most important Individual teaching assistants who would enable children with developmental disabilities to attend regular public school classes 68 % agree 1 % select as most important 30 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey conclusions From institutions to integration Attitudes regarding people with developmental disabilities have changed substantially over the past 45 years. In 2007, Minnesotans in general embraced the ideas of integrating and including people with developmental disabilities into their community and society at large. Belief in the family From 1962 to 2007 the majority opinion has shifted from disagreement to agreement, that the best way to care for people with developmental disabilities is through their immediate family, as much as possible. While most Minnesotans believe that the immediate family is in the best position to provide care, there was great support for the idea that the family cannot carry the burden alone. 31 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey conclusions Integration benefits everyone In 2007 Minnesotans embraced the idea that everyone is better off when people with developmental disabilities are integrated into society, and living independent and productive lives as much as possible. • Over 90% believed that, with the right training, people with developmental disabilities could be very productive workers. • 85% of respondents strongly agreed that they have a lot of respect for companies that employ people with developmental disabilities. 32 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey conclusions Some uncertainties related to independence and self determination While the majority of Minnesotans believe that most people with developmental disabilities are capable of living normal lives, and with real levels of self determination, uncertainties linger regarding some personal rights and freedoms, such as: Whether people with developmental disabilities should be allowed . . . • to have children; • to drink alcohol; • to live on their own; • to drive a car. 33 #1776 GCDD MN Attitudes Survey conclusions Wide majority support government and taxpayers’ services/ support In 2007 Minnesotans expressed overwhelming support for a wide range of government services for people with developmental disabilities. • Services often selected as most important were: – education, training, job skills; – access to quality health care; – protection from abuse; – training and counseling for parents; – advocacy training; – research to learn about causes of developmental disabilities. • Only 6% agreed with the statement that too much money is being spent on people with developmental disabilities.