The purpose of this study was to investigate bias in the areas of examiner disability, and examiner and examinee gender on test scores of selected subtests of the WAIS-R. The subjects of this study were 101 nondisabled University of Arizona Introductory Psychology students who were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. The treatment group was administered the Arithmetic and Picture Completion subtests of the WAIS-R by a wheelchair bound examiner (a nondisabled examiner posing as a disabled examiner). The control group was administered the same subtests by a nonwheelchair bound examiner. The data were analyzed by two three-way ANOVAs. The three-way analysis of variance tested for significant relationships between main effects of the three independent variables--examiner disability, examiner gender and examinee gender, and the scores of the arthmetic and Picture Completion subtests, and also for two-way and three-way interactive effects of the three variables and the subtest scores. Results indicated that in terms of bias operating to influence the individually administered subtest scores, only examinee gender was found to have a significant effect, with subtest scores for male examinees significantly higher than those for female examinees, on both Arithmetic and Picture Completion subtests. Nonsignificant relationships were found between the other two independent variables of examiner disability and examiner gender, and subtest scores. The presence of a visible, physical disability on the part of the examiner, and the gender of the examiner were not seen to be operating as bias, and were not seen to be impacting on subtest scores. Due to limitations of the study that included instrumentation, interaction of testing and treatment, interaction of selection and treatment, reactive arrangements and history, and due to lack of supportive research in the area of examinee gender as bias influencing test scores, the findings of this study need to be interpreted with caution, and should be considered speculative at best.

The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine the extent to which a self-advocacy training intervention in leisure would alter the pre-and-post-scores of tests on knowledge of rights and responsibilities, attitudes toward leisure, and behavior in leisure on adults with severe physical disabilities participating in an adult daycare program. Four one and one half hour training modules focusing on rights and responsibilities (Rights Now) and leisure access in the community (LIFE: Leisure Is For Everyone) were used for the treatment intervention. Thirty-nine adults ranging in age from 22 to 80 years and who participate in an adult day care program were selected for study. A nonrandomized pretest-posttest design was used. An experimental group of twenty participants received the treatment, and a control group of nineteen participated in their normal leisure activities. Each participant took a series of pre-and post-tests/assessments consisting of 1) a Knowledge of Rights and Responsibilities test (Browning, Thorin, and Rhoades, 1984) and 2) two scales of the Leisure Diagnostic Battery (Competence and Control). Participant behavior in leisure was assessed pre and post by observers using a Participation Patterns instrument (Brown, 1988). Demographic data was also collected on each participant. Data was analyzed using the following procedures: a t-test on gain vi scores, frequencies, means, standard deviations, Cronbach's alphas, and Pearson Product Moment Correlations were utilized. The .05 level of significance was chosen to test whether or not there were significant differences between pre-and post-test measures. The data revealed by this study indicated that significant differences between experimental and control subjects were detected on the behavior toward leisure variable. Other results, although not statistically significant, widened support for the intervention. / Ed. D.

In the United States, nearly 30% of children experience a moderate to severe chronic illness or disability, and nearly all of these children live in a household with at least one sibling (Cox, Marshall, Medleco, & Olsen, 2003). Having a child with a disability in the family can create several demanding and permanent changes for each member of the family (Fisman, Wolf, Ellison, & Freeman, 2000). Empirical and theoretical research have revealed that having a child with a disability impacts each member of the family, both in regard to long-term functioning and day-to-day activities (Cox et al., 2003).There are relatively few studies that explore the sibling relationship between a non-disabled child and a child with a disability. Not surprisingly, there are even fewer studies that evaluate the impact of specific types of disabilities, such as visual impairment, on the sibling relationship (Stoneman & Brody, 1993). Because of the uniqueness of each type of disability, more research should focus on specific types of disabilities, such as visual impairments. This study was conducted in an effort to better understand the experiences and opinions of children with a visual impairment and their non-disabled siblings.Utilizing a qualitative approach, ten children with visual impairments and ten sighted siblings were interviewed. Through these interviews, several themes emerged, including the following: closeness, conflict, impact of disability, responsibility/assistance, understanding of disability, and coping strategies. Within each of these themes were related subthemes. From these themes and interrelationships of the themes emerged an integrated theory of sibling relationships when one sibling has a visual impairment, which included the dimensions of the non-disability sibling dyad, the shared disability experience, and coping-related strategies.Based on the reports of children with visual impairments and their sighted siblings, visual impairment can have both positive and negative implications toward the sibling relationship. Children with visual impairments and their siblings have the challenge of managing a "typical", non-disability related, sibling relationship along with their shared disability experience. Implications for professionals include assisting with coping-related strategies, such as increased communication, teaching advocacy, and assisting with education and social support. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

Title: Attitudes of children of young school age to integrate people with disability. The main topic of the thesis is the attitudes of younger pupils towards integrating their peers with disabilities. The thesis also briefly discusses the attitudes of families and teachers with regards to the issue. The theoretical basis which the thesis builds on is defining of the term "inclusion" and the related legislature. Issues of physical disability, personality of a person with a disability and societal views and approaches to disabilities are also explored. Specific characteristics of inclusive education are mentioned. The goal of the thesis is to map the attitudes of pupils towards inclusion, their feelings about being in a classroom where inclusive education is practiced and their way of perceiving their teacher`s work. The thesis employs a quantitative method of data collection via questionnaires. Key terms: Attitudes, inclusive education, people with disabilities, specifics of education.

Abstract not available

This study surveyed 107 working college students with varying disabilities. Individual, job, and organizational characteristics were evaluated for their ability to predict job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and turnover cognitions. One area this characteristic that was explored was that of an individual's perception of organizational resources related to legally mandated reasonable accommodations. Using hierarchal regression this study found that self-efficacy, job characteristics, and means-efficacy were key predictors of job satisfaction. Means-efficacy was the only one of these that was a predictor of turnover intentions.