The Attitudes of Volunteer Leaders in Cecil, Harford and Kent Counties, Maryland Toward Involvement of Handicapped in 4-H Programs

Abstract

The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine if volunteer 4-H leaders in Cecil, Harford, and Kent Counties in Maryland were receptive towards involvement of handicapped youth in 4-H programs and if training was needed prior to program implementation. Seventy-four volunteer leaders in the three counties surveyed returned completed mail questionnaires. An attitude rating scale was used to assess leaders attitudes toward involvement of handicapped youth in 4-H programs. Demographic and personal data were requested in Part II of the survey instrument. Frequency distribution and the chi-square test were used to analyze data. Level of significance was set at .05. The majority of leaders had positive feelings about the involvement of handicapped youth in 4-H programs but felt training was needed before involvement took place. Significant relationships were found between age and the attitudes concerning, l) involvement of handicapped youth as being a good experience for other 4-H members, 2) handicapped youth being able to participate adequately in 4-H programs, 3) 4-H being a help to mentally retarded youth and, 4) the belief that other groups were meeting the needs of handicapped youth. Significant relationships were also found between education and the attitude concerning, l) involvement of handicapped youth as being a good experience for handicapped youth, 2) feeling comfortable with emotionally handicapped, educable and trainable mentally retarded children and, 3) having adequate training to work with handicapped youth.