Study shows hardening of attitudes towards disabled

A new study shows a hardening of attitudes to people with disabilities.

The report by the National Disability Authority reveals that 21% of people would object if a child with an intellectual disability or autism was in the same class as their child - that is up from 8% since 2006.

The number of people who believe adults with an intellectual disability or autism should be able to have children has fallen from 64% to 37%.

Siobhan Barron, Director of the National Disability Authority, has said it is up to individuals to become more welcoming to people with disabilities.

Ms Barron said: "It is something which everybody has a responsibility to address, each of us whether people in the community, businesses, employers, parents and schools

"It is about welcoming people with disabilities as equal citizens."