The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #68208

Gary N. Siperstein, PhD, Center for Social Development and Education, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd., University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA 02125, 617-287-7250, gary.siperstein@umb.edu, Jennifer Norins, Center for Social Development & Education, University of Massachusetts, 100 Morrissey Blvd., University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA 02125, and Stephen B. Corbin, DDS, MPH, Special Olympics University, Special Olympics,Inc, 1325 G. Street, #500, Washington, DC 20005.

Among the more developed countries in the world, the movement toward greater inclusion of persons with mental retardation into the mainstream of society has been well-documented. However, recent national and international conferences and numerous policy and scientific publications indicate that on a global scale, individuals with mental retardation continue to have significant unmet health, social and personal needs, and face exclusion from meaningful societal integration. Societal attitudes and practices severely compromise the quality of life and opportunity for persons with mental retardation and, too often, put their very survival at risk.

For the past 35 years, Special Olympics (SO) has striven to provide meaningful and dignified inclusion of persons with mental retardation to organized, community-based sports programs. Today, SO sports programs are available year-round in over 160 countries and serve over a million athletes. As part of its emerging mission, SO has been outspoken in addressing the unmet needs of persons with mental retardation, most recently in the area of health.

To continue its worldwide leadership, Special Olympics commissioned the University of Massachusetts Boston to conduct the first 10-country multinational study of public attitudes and beliefs about persons with mental retardation. In this session, particular attention will be given to the attitudes and beliefs about the inclusion of persons with mental retardation in the community. The results of the survey will be presented within the context of each country's social, cultural and political situation.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the attitudes and beliefs about mental retardation in geographically and culturally diverse countries around the world.
• Identify the different aspects of culture that influence public attitudes toward persons with mental retardation.
• Understand the reciprocal relationship between public attitudes and health and human service practices within the divergent cultures.

Keywords: Disability, International

Related Web page: www.specialolympics.org; www.umb.edu/research/centers/csde

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Special Olympics University University of Massachusetts Boston - Center for Social Development and Education
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.