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Ohioans Point the Way

First definitive study of its kind in Ohio about developmental disabilities

Ohioans urge more support for people with developmental disabilities

To find out Ohioans' knowledge, awareness and attitudes about developmental disabilities, the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council sponsored a survey by the Institute for Policy Research at the University of Cincinnati. Eight hundred and seventy randomly selected Ohio adults were interviewed by telephone. Sampling error for the survey is ą3.3%.

Results of this Ohio Poll, released in spring 2000, showed that the public overwhelmingly supports programs and services for people with developmental disabilities and their families. Ranking of programs Ohioans thought most important for people with developmental disabilities is listed on back.

Ohioans strongly approve of spending more money than the state currently spends to assist people with developmental disabilities and their families.
51.1% strongly approve
29.0% approve somewhat
7.8% disapprove somewhat

Seventy-two percent of Ohioans say they know what a developmental disability is. Frequently cited were mental retardation (23%), slow learners/learning disabilities (11%), and people who are mentally or physically disabled (9%).

More than 68% say they personally know someone with a developmental disability, most often a family member or friend.

A substantial majority say it is important for Ohio to fund programs to increase the opportunity for children with developmental disabilities to be educated in regular classrooms with students who do not have disabilities.
38.9% say very important
35.0% say somewhat important
12.5% say not very important
10.3% say not important at all

More than 95% feel it is important to eliminate lengthy waiting lists for people with developmental disabilities to obtain needed services.
70.7% say very important
25.2% say somewhat important

Ohioans believe it is very important to assist people with developmental disbilities to live as independently as possible in their own community.
60.7% say very important
34.3% say somewhat important

Respondents feel it is very important to provide services and financial supports to families of children with developmental disabilities who live at home.
62.0% say very important
33.5% say somewhat important

Ohioans believe in providing services and financial supports to families of adults with developmental disabilities who live at home.
56.0% say very important
39.4% say important

A majority of Ohioans believe people with developmental disabilities should be included with individuals who live, go to work, and attend schools in their community.
51.2% strongly agree
33.4% agree somewhat
7.0% disagree somewhat

Some percentage totals may equal more than 100% because respondents could select mutiple answers. Responses of 3% or less are not listed in these displays.

Ohio residents ranked the follow-ing programs very important for people with developmental disabilities:

Eliminate lengthy waiting lists
Provide support to families of children living at home
Assist individuals to live as independently as possible
Provide support to families of adults living at home
Increase opportunity for children to be educated in regular classrooms with children without disabilities

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Planning Council is a planning and advocacy group of 28 members appointed by the governor. ODDC receives and disseminates federal funds in the form of grant projects to create visions, influence public policy, pilot new approaches, empower individuals and families, and advocate for system change.

Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council - 8 E. Long St., Suite 1200 - Columbus OH 43215-2931 - (800) 766-7426 - (614) 466-5205 (614) 644-5530 tty - (614) 466-0298 fax www.state.oh.us/ddc

Design by AXIS Center for Public Awareness of People with Disabilities, ODDC's Public Awareness Project

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