Effect of disability training on Bolivian teachers', administrators' and parents' attitudes toward people with disabilities

Since 2013, volunteer educators have been hosting a conference in collaboration with The Walter Henry School in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, and faculty from the School of Professional Psychology at Wright State University. The purpose of the conference is to work with Bolivian Methodist and public schools, Methodist churches, social services agencies, and families, to help Bolivian schools better accommodate students with disabilities. Children with disabilities in Bolivia are sometimes referred to as the "second patio children", in other words defective, and not to be seen, and therefore, largely hidden from society. The pervasive impact of these beliefs are seen in the gross inequities and injustices experienced by these children. Specific, to education, one study reported that only 1-3 % of children with disabilities in Bolivia ever receive an education despite laws in Bolivia stating children with disabilities are to have equal access to education. As part of the conference and associated trainings, researchers have administered assessments of participants’ attitudes toward people with disabilities. The ATPD was given at the beginning and end of each conference for approximately 50 attendees per year. Measured attitudinal change in teachers, administrators and parents following disability training. No significant change occurred among teachers and parents with a trend towards improved attitudes. However, a significant decline was demonstrated among administrators. There were also differences according to gender and education. Results from three years of ATPD data will be discussed.