The Americans With Disabilities Act Knowledge Survey: Strong psychometrics and weak knowledge.

Abstract

Objectives: To construct and validate a measure that assesses knowledge of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and to examine ADA knowledge among private and public sector representatives. Study Design and Subjects:A 20-item measure was developed and administered to undergraduates (n ϭ 210) and ADA experts (n ϭ 34) to establish validity and reliability. Then, it was administered to 133 private and public sector representatives. Results: The ADA experts obtained a significantly higher mean than undergraduates. Reliability analysis resulted in a Cronbach's alpha of .82. Furthermore, private and public sector representatives demonstrated little ADA knowledge. Conclusions: A valid and reliable measure, the ADA Knowledge Survey may be administered to individuals who are responsible for the law's implementation.Census figures indicate that approximately 53 million noninstitutionalized Americans have physical, sensory, intellectual, or psychiatric disabilities. Of these, 33 million individuals have disabilities that are classified as severe (McNeil, 2001). Passed in 1990, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) is intended to fully include people with disabilities in all aspects of mainstream U.S. culture. To date, it is the most comprehensive law concerning disability rights. Consisting of five titles, the ADA encompasses areas of employment, public services, transportation, public accommodations, and telecommunications. Many individuals are required to comply with this law, including employers, business owners, and providers of goods and services. Success of the ADA is heavily dependent on their actions and knowledge of this law.A review of the literature indicates that 12 studies have examined ADA knowledge among various groups, including managers, personnel directors, human resource representatives, employers, occupational therapists, adults with disabilities, and students of rehabilitation counseling (see Table 1). Nine studies used selfreport items (e.g., "Have you ever heard of the ADA?" and "How knowledgeable are you about the ADA?") to assess knowledge of

Human Rights and the Duty to Accommodate in Employment: Stakeholders' Knowledge and Attitudes.

“…The results of this study supported the findings of two previous studies that measured the level of academic attainment on the knowledge of disability rights by Hernandez et al (2003) and Clarke and Crewe (2000). Hernandez et al (2003) concluded that higher level of academic attainment, those with college or graduate level of education obtained a significantly higher level of knowledge of disability rights law and legislation than those who only had high school or trade school education. Clarke and Crewe (2000) concluded that master's level rehabilitation students were found to have a higher level of ADA knowledge than employers or regular college students.…”

“…In fact, only 18% of faculty members said they were familiar with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and only 50% said they were familiar with the ADA, both of which protect the rights of students with disabilities (Thompson & Bethea, 1997). Furthermore, in the validation studies of the ADA Knowledge Survey instrument by Hernandez et al (2003), the mean score on the ADA Knowledge Survey among students was 9 (SD = 3.6) out of a possible score of 20 as compared to the mean score of ADA expert of 17.2 (SD = 2.3). Clarke and Crewe (2000) found Masters level rehabilitation students to have a higher level of ADA knowledge than employers or regular college students.…”

“…The seven studies that included employers as participants (Clarke & Crewe, 2000;Hernandez et al, 2003;Jackson et al, 2000;Roessler & Sumner, 1997;Scheid, 1999;Thakker & Solomon, 1999;Walters & Baker, 1997) Scheid's (1999) study which also found that increased awareness and knowledge of participants by receipt of ADA information was a significant predictor of compliance to the ADA. This is particularly important to small businesses that do not have a dedicated human resource or personnel department that stays informed on current laws and legislation regarding disability rights.…”

“…Although some studies found reasonable awareness among participants, it does not equate to the knowledge about the specific mandate of disability rights laws and legislations. In fact, when participants in 9 studies (Clarke & Crewe, 2000;Gioia & Brekke, 2003;Granger, 2000;Greiner Redick et al,2000;Hernandez et al, 2003;Jackson et al, 2000;Rumrill 1999;Thompson & Bethea, 1997;Wasserbauer, 1996;) were tested for specific knowledge about disability rights law, they scored poorly. Overall, findings indicate a consistency in the lack of knowledge among all groups of participants.…”

“…The lack of knowledge shown in the results of this knowledge survey supports previous findings on related subjects such as disability rights laws and legislation which is a subset of the overarching human rights laws and legislation. Seven previous studies suggest some limited knowledge of disability rights law and legislation (Clarke & Crewe, 2000;Hernandez et al, 2003;Jackson et al, 2000;Roessler & Sumner, 1997;Scheid, 1999;Thakker & Solomon, 1999;Walters & Baker, 1997). Specifically, in Hernandez et al's (2003) Given the available literature on knowledge in a related field, it is therefore not surprising to find that participants in this study supported the findings of previous studies.…”