Is it possible to enhance positive attitudes towards people with disability? A training with Italian university students

Attitudes towards disability could influence behaviours, social interactions and inclusion of people with disabilities. Researchers have demonstrated that contact experiences and educational trainings improve positive attitudes towards disability and enhance the representation of the disabled person. The present study explored the effects of a training based on virtual contact with disabled people and experiences of disabled conditions in order to enhance positive attitudes and representation of disabled people in a sample of 131 Italian university students (115 females) aged between 21 and 30 years. A questionnaire concerning social attitudes towards disability and a Semantic Differential about the disabled person was used. Results revealed that, after the training, university students expressed more positive attitudes towards disabled people and showed a more positive representation of the disabled person.