2017: Minnesota General Population Survey of Attitudes Towards People with Developmental Disabilities

In 1962, a survey of the Minnesota general population was conducted to measure awareness and attitudes about developmental disabilities. The survey was updated and repeated in January 2007 (45 years post) and again in 2012 (50 years post). A 2017 survey was also conducted and the results were made available on April 5, 2017.

While attitudes changed dramatically between 1962 and 2007, those attitudes have remained unchanged over the past ten years. The 2017 study reveals that, for a majority of Minnesotans, the most important services provide access to quality, coordinated healthcare; and protection services to prevent the abuse of people with developmental disabilities.

"The Road to Freedom" bus tour increased public consciousness about disability rights and helped shift attitudes towards more independence and inclusion.

Over 70% of Minnesotans favorably rated employment services, special education services and early childhood special education services. A majority also believe that the State should move away from corporate foster care by providing housing supports directly to individuals with developmental disabilities so they can choose where to live, their roommates, and their staff or providers.

https://mn.gov/mnddc/extra/customer-research/attitude-survey-2017.pdf