Children's Attitudes Toward Physically Handicapped Peers and Intervention Approaches for Attitude Change

Children with physical handicaps are among those handicapped children who are placed in the regular public school classroom as the least restrictive environment possible for their education. Physical therapists are increasingly extending their service into school settings and are likely to be in the position to become advocates for the physically handicapped student. A review of research on attitudes held by nonhandicapped peers reveals that unfavorable attitudes toward physically handicapped students are prevalent. Strategies for the physical therapist to use in helping to promote positive peer attitudes toward physically handicapped children are presented.