A Study of Physical Therapists’ Attitudes and Views Toward Physical Therapists With Disabilities in Academic and Clinical Settings
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Authors
Kowalsky, Donald S.
Issue Date
2003
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Academy , Clinic , Disability , Physical therapist
Alternative Title
Abstract
Individuals with disabilities have historically been subject to discrimination, and have not always been able to benefit from higher education and employment opportunities compared to able-bodied individuals. This discrimination may in part be due to negative attitudes toward the disabled population, and the perception that the worker with disability may not be able to perform the required job duties satisfactorily. In response to increased efforts to integrate individuals with disability into society, and recent laws protecting their rights (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans With Disability Act (ADA) of 1990), students with disabilities are enrolling in and graduating from institutions of higher education and are entering the workforce in increasing numbers. The number of students with disabilities enrolling in physical therapy programs across the country has also been increasing during the past decade. According to the laws, individuals are considered qualified applicants if they can satisfactorily perform the "essential functions" or technical standards of the educational program or job with or without "reasonable accommodations". Over the past several years there has been some controversy regarding the ability of individuals with various disabilities to complete a physical therapy program, gain employment, and function effectively. Much of the debate centers around the description of the essential functions of a physical therapist. It has been suggested that individuals with more positive attitudes toward individuals with disability are more likely to develop essential function criteria that are outcome oriented rather than process oriented. The purpose of this study was to determine if attitudes toward individuals with disabilities differ between faculty members, physical therapy clinicians, and physical therapy students. The study also sought to determine if the views of these 3 groups, regarding the level of difficulty individuals with various disabilities would have completing a physical therapy educational program, gaining employment, and functioning effectively as a physical therapist differ among groups and are related to their attitudes. The factors of previous contact with individuals with disabilities, comfort level interpreting the requirements of the ADA, age of the participant, and their effects on attitude toward individuals with disabilities was also assessed. The sample consisted of full time faculty (N = 35) who are licensed Physical Therapists teaching in the four accredited physical therapy programs in Connecticut, fifth year physical therapy students (N = 136), in the four accredited programs in Connecticut, and 116 practicing physical therapy clinicians in clinical settings distributed throughout the state of Connecticut. Respondents completed "The Attitudes Toward Disabled Persons Scale" (ATDP), (Yuker, Block, and Campbell 1962), "The Interactions with Disabled Persons Scale" (IDP), (Gething 1989) and a questionnaire developed by the researcher. Findings of the research demonstrated a statistically significant difference between groups on their attitudes toward individuals with disabilities measured by the ATDP and 1DP. In addition, there were statistically significant relationships in the student and clinician groups, between attitudes and views on the level of difficulty individuals with various disabilities would have completing the educational requirements to become a physical therapist, gaining employment as a physical therapist, and functioning effectively as a therapist. There were no statistically significant relationships found in groups for previous level of contact, comfort level with the ADA, or age. The findings of this research suggest that modifying the attitudes toward individuals with disabilities in the profession as a whole will allow individuals with disabilities to enter the profession of physical therapy in greater numbers.
Description
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Citation
D.S. Kowalsky, "A Study of Physical Therapists’ Attitudes and Views Toward Physical Therapists With Disabilities in Academic and Clinical Settings", Ph.D. dissertation, School of Education, Univ. of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT, 2003.