Factors Influencing Preservice Student Attitudes Toward Individuals with Disabilities

This study examined the relationship among selected attributes—gender, level of program (graduate/undergraduate), major, number of infusion-based courses, number of adapted physical education courses, and perceived competence—of physical education students ( N = 133) and their attitudes toward teaching/working with individuals with disabilities. Students were enrolled in an infusion-based curriculum at a university in the northeastern United States. Data were collected via a modified version of the Physical Educators’ Attitude Toward Teaching Individuals with Disabilities (PEATID–III) instrument. Results from a stepwise selection, multiple-regression procedure showed that of the six selected student variables assessed, students’ perceived competence in teaching/working with individuals with disabilities was the best predictor of favorable attitudes. Results also showed that the number of infusion-based courses, coursework in adapted physical education, and program major also were significant predictors of favorable attitudes.