Stereotypes of Individuals With Learning Disabilities: Views of College Students With and Without Learning Disabilities

Abstract

To explore possible reasons for low self-identification rates among undergraduates with learning disabilities (LD), we asked students (38 with LD, 100 without LD) attending two large, public, research-intensive universities to respond to a questionnaire designed to assess stereotypes about individuals with LD and conceptions of ability. Responses were coded into six categories of stereotypes about LD (low intelligence, compensation possible, process deficit, nonspecific insurmountable condition, working the system, and other), and into three categories of conceptions of intelligence (entity, incremental, neither). Consistent with past findings, the most frequent metastereotype reported by individuals in both groups related to generally low ability. In addition, students with LD were more likely to espouse views of intelligence as a fixed trait. As a whole, the study's findings have implications for our understanding of factors that influence self-identification and self-advocacy at the postsecondary level.

Constructing sexual identities: people with intellectual disability talking about sexuality

“…Such stereotypes are difficult to challenge as they are not perceived by the general population as harmful, but rather as benign. As a consequence, the internalisation of stereotypical attitudes towards people with intellectual disability may result in barriers to self‐expression (May & Stone ; McCarthy ).…”

Pre-Service Teachers with Learning Disabilities: Perceptions of Professional Training

“…Within this general growing group of students with LD, pre-service teachers with LD are a unique subgroup of students, from an academic point of view (see Wertheim, Vogel, & Brulle, 1998) as well as in terms of emotional traits (May & Stone, 2010). The goal of the present study was to examine how pre-service teachers with LD perceive their professional training during their first years of Teacher College and whether perception will change during the course of the first term of their undergraduate studies.…”

From being bullied to being accepted: The lived experiences of a student with Asperger’s enrolled in a Christian university

“…Research conducted by May and Stone (2010) revealed that students with learning disabilities believed peers would view their intellectual abilities as less than average if their disability were disclosed. As well, these students believed their peers would perceive the use of accommodations as cheating.…”