Customer Research
Life Experiences of Young Minnesotans With Disabilities Qualitative Research Report
The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities is pleased to release this supplemental report that provides direct quotations from the respondents of the Youth Intersectionality Study.
This qualitative study was completed on August 22, 2024, and includes the responses from youth and family members who participated in a two-week online dialogue. Some of the subjects covered include experiences in the community, positive and negative educational experiences, and frustrations in accessing waivers and receiving support services. The hopes, desires, dreams, and goals of young people are also presented.
These aspirations were expressed as achieving independence and fulfillment through education, meaningful work, and personal milestones. Supportive environments are crucial to realize these goals and to feel valued in the community. This support not only benefits young Minnesotans with disabilities but also the family, friends, and the community.
Young people urged better accessibility, increased access to assistive technologies, more education and training, and better access to health, wellness, and social supports. By focusing on improving these areas, Minnesota can be a place where young people with disabilities can work towards achieving their aspirations and leading quality lives, rather than having to fight for their basic rights.
(8/27/24)
Life Experience of Young Minnesotans with Marginalized Identities Intersectionality Study III
The Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities is pleased to announce the findings from the newest phase of the intersectionality study focusing on youth perspectives and the promise of One Minnesota.
This pilot study was completed in July 2024 and included 261 young Minnesotans ages 13-22. This quantitative and qualitative study divided respondents into four groups by race and ethnicity and disability status. The control group was made up of 176 individuals without disabilities and there were 85 respondents with disabilities. These groups were then broken down into White (70%) and BIPOC groups (30%), which closely matches the diversity of the general population of young Minnesotans.
BIPOC teens and young adults WITHOUT disabilities experience twice as many incidences of discrimination reporting dissatisfaction with the way there are treated 12% of the time, as compared to white youth without disabilities who reported dissatisfaction at a rate of 6%. Minnesota teens and young adults with disabilities experience more than twice as many incidences of discrimination, the study revealed a 19% dissatisfaction rate as compared to youth without disabilities who reported dissatisfaction 9% of the time. The relative amounts of reported discrimination experiences were highest among young white Minnesotans with disabilities at 26%.
A discrimination index was reported for each of the four groups. Young people without disabilities scored 56 while BIPOC without disabilities scored 107. The discrimination indices were notably higher for young people with disabilities. White youth with disabilities scored 158 and BIPOC with disabilities scored 142.
When respondents with disabilities go into the community they describe feeling misunderstood, excluded and frustrated, while young people without disabilities say they feel at ease, confident and accepted.
Stories were also gathered about specific areas where young Minnesotans felt excluded. These areas include social exclusion, workplace discrimination, healthcare discrimination, and inadequate support services.
(8/15/24)
The One Minnesota Baseline Quantitative Survey
The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities is pleased to announce the results from a baseline study of intersectionality and the promise of One Minnesota.
This survey was completed in September 2023 and included a total of 593 respondents divided into four groups by race and ethnicity and disability status. Individuals with disabilities from racial and ethnic communities are more likely to report negative experiences in public situations; are less likely than all other groups to feel welcomed in public serving businesses; and more likely to experience negative treatment in financial dealings. White individuals with disabilities are most likely to feel unfair treatment, barriers, and restrictions from privileges; are more likely to report negative experiences in dealing with healthcare and health insurance; and give the lowest rating to the One Minnesota promise of any group.
(11/01/23)
2023 Minnesota Employment Opportunities Study
The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities is pleased to share its most recently completed Employment Opportunities Study. This study provides insights regarding the experiences and perceptions of employers in Minnesota concerning employing people with disabilities.
Key findings from the random survey of 201 Minnesota employers include:
- Most employers in Minnesota, at locations with 5 or more employees, employ individuals with disabilities.
- Employers are equally satisfied with their employees with disabilities as they are with their employees without disabilities.
- Just over half of employers have needed to provide accommodations for their employees with disabilities.
- Companies that employ people with disabilities tend to be much larger, and more likely to be involved in retail trade or manufacturing.
- Over half of the businesses that employ people with disabilities were assisted by Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) from the MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
Minnesota's private sector employers gave very high ratings to the State for its efforts to enhance employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
72% of employers that do not currently employ people with disabilities would be likely to pursue the possibility of hiring a person with a disability, if contacted by DEED or one of its partnering organizations.
(4/12/23)
2022 Minnesota General Population Survey of Attitudes Towards People with Developmental Disabilities
Minnesota has come a long way since 1962. When 900 Minnesotans were surveyed in 1962, 25% of the respondents believed that people with developmental disabilities should not be allowed to use public playgrounds and beaches, 20% believed they should not be able to attend movie theaters, and 35% believed people with developmental disabilities should be kept in an institution.
Today the attitudes are much different based on a survey of 900 Minnesotans that match the demographic characteristics of the general population.
Eight-out-of-10 Minnesotans agree that society should do everything in its power to help those who are most vulnerable. Most Minnesotans (86%) believe the State should allocate more funds to support PCAs and related services for Minnesotans with developmental disabilities.
Almost 9-out-of-10 Minnesotans (86%) believe people with developmental disabilities face discrimination. Various forms of discrimination against people with developmental disabilities were mentioned by survey respondents including employment discrimination, bullying, teasing, name calling, being treated poorly, and limited accessibility.
There is room for improvement in advancing toward greater integration and inclusion. But in the past 60 years attitudes have changed which has made an impact on the lives of all Minnesotans.
Impact of the Intersection of Developmental Disabilities and Other Population Profiles on Experiences with Discrimination
Report From Qualitative/Narrative Research
This research study on the Impact of the Intersection of Developmental Disabilities and Other Population Profiles, was designed to explore how discrimination is experienced by people with developmental disabilities, who are also a part of other marginalized communities.
Along with some relevant insights and hypotheses gained from reviews of prior studies conducted around the country, this research report includes stories gained from 49 people with developmental disabilities and family members, regarding their own personal experiences of being unfairly treated or restricted from opportunities or privileges that are available to others.
The ultimate objective of this research is to raise awareness of the impact of explicit and implicit biases to enhance empathy and appreciation for the experiences of people with developmental disabilities.
(8/16/22)
Perspectives on the 50th Anniversary by National Experts, Minnesota Council Members, and Partners in Policymaking Graduates
Federal fiscal year 2021 was a year of reflection for the Council as it prepared for its 50th anniversary celebration. Instead of the usual surveys and other research, the Council hired Management Analysis and Development (MAD) to conduct interviews with national subject matter experts and current and former Minnesota Council members to understand its impact.
The Council also engaged The Odyssey Group to survey participants from the Council's long-standing program Partners in Policymaking®. The research found that the Minnesota DD Council has served as a national leader and changed lives, particularly through Partners. Current and past Council members reflected on how they were able to make a difference through advocacy and made strong, lifelong connections with others on the Council.
Surveys Completed for Five Year State Plan (FFYs 2022-2026)
The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities is in the process of developing a new Five Year State Plan for FFYs 2022-2026.
Three statewide surveys were completed in FFY 2020 to help with the planning process. The three surveys focused on self-advocate and advocate attitudes regarding quality of life; a general population survey; and a survey of providers. All field work was completed prior to the pandemic in March 2020 and the survey reports were completed by June 15, 2020. The results were posted in November 2020 after the Council received and accepted the reports.
These Customer Research Studies were supported, in part by grant number 1901MNSCDD-01, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.
What Does ONE MINNESOTA Mean for People with Developmental Disabilities and Their Families
On January 9, 2019, two days after his inauguration, Governor Tim Walz issued Executive Order 19-01, Establishing the One Minnesota Council on Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity. He stated:
In Minnesota, we know we are all better off together.
Our state must be a leader in ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to thrive. Disparities in Minnesota, including those based on race, geography and economic status keep our entire state from reaching its full potential. As long as inequities impact Minnesotans' ability to be successful, we have work to do. Our state will recognize its full potential when all Minnesotans are provided the opportunity to lead healthy, fulfilled lives.
The vision of One Minnesota provided the opportunity for people with developmental disabilities and family members to share their experiences and insights with the Governor Walz administration. Here is what we heard directly from the 45 respondents selected to match the state demographics:
"There needs to be a fundamental shift in the way the state perceives individuals with developmental disabilities – from a cost to society, to an opportunity for inclusion that will enhance the quality of life for all Minnesotans."
"Create awareness among all Minnesotans of the importance of including people with developmental disabilities in the One Minnesota promise."
"Focus resources and efforts on identifying fulfilling opportunities for employment and earning a livable income, which will drive inclusion and enable more independence for people with developmental disabilities."
"Educate service providers on the importance of having a customer service mentality and proactively informing people with developmental disabilities of the services and supports to which they are eligible."
"Assure that all services and supports for people with developmental disabilities are equally available and easily accessible everywhere in the state."
"Include people with developmental disabilities and/or their families and advocates in policymaking processes and decisions."
2018 Minnesota Racial & Ethnic Populations Survey of Attitudes and Outlook Regarding Healthcare Services and Costs
The "2018 Minnesota General Population Survey of Attitudes and Outlook Regarding Healthcare Services and Costs" was released on April 6, 2018. The results included measures of satisfaction with health care quality and costs, perceptions regarding changes in costs and payment responsibilities, and preferences for universal health care versus private health care insurance. Survey respondents represented state demographics in terms of geographic dispersion, age, income, and race and ethnicity including representation from American Indian, African American, and Hispanic communities.
However, the Council was again most interested in assuring that the insights and perspectives of members of racial and ethnic communities were heard so additional outreach efforts were made in the African American, Hispanic, American Indian, Asian/Pacific Islander, Southeast Asian, and East African communities. The results are available here:
2018 Minnesota General Population Survey of Attitudes and Outlook Regarding Healthcare Services and Costs
In 2004, Governor Tim Pawlenty appointed former US Senator David Durenberger to head the Minnesota Citizens Forum on Health Care Costs. The Forum was tasked with addressing a "crisis of affordability" of health care. Its 18 members traveled the state for three months, conducting Town Hall meetings and listening sessions, gathering ideas from fellow citizens on what the state's health care system should look like.
"There's no question in my mind that we can find a great deal of common ground in health care reform," said Governor Pawlenty. "We can't afford to politicize this issue, but need to come together on real solutions designed to cut health care costs for Minnesotans."
The Minnesota Citizens Forum worked with the Minnesota Board on Aging and the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities to develop and conduct a 20-minute telephone survey of a representative sample of 800 Minnesotans. The resulting Health Care Opinion Poll obtained measures of satisfaction with health care quality and costs, perceptions regarding changes in costs and payment responsibilities, and preferences for universal health care versus private health care insurance.
Fourteen years later, in 2018, the Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities replicated the opinion poll and surveyed over 1000 Minnesotans. The results are available here:
2017 Minnesota Racial & Ethnic Survey of Attitudes Towards People with Developmental Disabilities
The 2017 General Population Survey of Attitudes Towards People with Developmental Disabilities includes representation from racial and ethnic communities. However, the Council was most interested in assuring that the insights and perspectives of members of these communities were heard. Additional outreach efforts were made in the Hispanic, American Indian, African American, East African, and Southeast Asian communities. The results are contained in this supplemental report.
2017 Minnesota General Population Survey of Attitudes Towards People with Developmental Disabilities
In 1962, a survey of the Minnesota general population was conducted to measure awareness and attitudes about developmental disabilities. The survey was updated and repeated in January 2007 (45 years post) and again in 2012 (50 years post). A 2017 survey was also conducted and the results are now available.
While attitudes changed dramatically between 1962 and 2007, those attitudes have remained unchanged over the past ten years. The 2017 study reveals that, for a majority of Minnesotans, the most important services provide access to quality, coordinated healthcare; and protection services to prevent the abuse of people with developmental disabilities.
Over 70% of Minnesotans favor employment services, special education services and early childhood special education services. A majority also believe that the State should move away from corporate foster care by providing housing supports directly to individuals with developmental disabilities so they can choose where to live, their roommates, and their staff or providers.
Survey of Individuals for Five-Year State Plan
The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities is in the process of developing a new Five-year State Plan for FFYs 2017-2021. A survey of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families was recently conducted to identify important issues to be addressed.
A Survey of Providers was also conducted to learn their opinions about a range of issues including employment, health care, quality assurance, housing, and self advocacy.
Minnesota Special Education Experience Study 2014
In followup to the K-12 Education Study for Students with Developmental Disabilities that MarketResponse International conducted in 2013, and based on the insights gained from that study, the Minnesota Special Education Experience Study was conducted in 2014. This study was done in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Education, Special Education Division. The purpose of this recent study was to obtain benchmark measures of overall quality and satisfaction levels of the special education experience from the perspective of parents and the students themselves. The results show satisfaction levels by grade level and geographic location, quality drivers of the education experience, and awareness of and attitudes about Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.
K-12 Education Study for Students with Developmental Disabilities 2013
In 2012, MarketResponse International conducted a general population survey of Minnesota households to track changes in attitudes about people with developmental disabilities over the past 50 years. A parallel survey was also done with households with a family member with developmental disabilities. Both surveys also contained questions about quality of life issues, including the future outlook of education services.
Based on findings, the surveys showed a significantly more negative outlook about education services among households with a son or daughter with developmental disabilities.
As a result, education was not only selected for this year's study but a relatively new approach and methodologies, referred to as Narrative Research, were used. Rather than framing a study around a preconceived idea and testing it out, narrative methods rely solely on the stories shared by participants and their personal experiences around a specific topic.
This study explains Narrative Research and what was learned about education services in Minnesota from students with developmental disabilities, parents, teachers, school administrators, and case managers.
1962/2012 Minnesota Survey of Attitudes Regarding Developmental Disabilities
Perceptions, awareness, beliefs, and attitudes about people with developmental disabilities have changed substantially in the past 50 years. MarketResponse International has just completed a survey of the general population in Minnesota that shows these marked shifts. (April 2013)
Survey of Individuals for Five-Year State Plan
The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities is in the process of developing a new Five-year State Plan for FFYs 2012-2016. A survey of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families was recently conducted to identify important issues to be addressed, and how and where services and delivery systems can make improvements over the next five years. The survey also measured levels of independence, productivity, self determination, integration and inclusion among people with developmental disabilities as was done in 2005 and based on the Quality of Life survey that was first conducted in 2000. (December 2010)
A Survey of Providers was also conducted to learn their opinions about a range of issues including employment, health care, quality assurance, housing, and self advocacy.
MarketResponse International also prepared a meta analysis of the customer research studies that have been conducted over the past ten years, studies among people with developmental disabilities and families, businesses, and the general population in Minnesota, and provided recommendations for future research. (October 2010)
Awareness, Attitudes and Impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act Among Minnesota Businesses
MarketResponse International has conducted a survey of 500 Minnesota businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, hotels, banks, grocery stores, and vehicle dealerships; and interviewed architects and engineers, and commercial building contractors, to determine their awareness about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the impact of the ADA on design and building projects, enforcement of accessibility provisions, and accommodations made and accommodations anticipated to meet accessibility requirements and improve access for people with disabilities. Survey results are available in several formats. (April 2010)
Information Technology Customer Research Study 2009
MarketResponse International has conducted a survey of 382 Minnesota households that have members with and without disabilities. The purpose of this survey was to obtain measures about access to; and adoption, use and the perceived benefits of information technologies; satisfaction with state government websites; and attitudes about information technologies among people with disabilities compared with the general population in the state of Minnesota. This survey is available in several formats. (April 2009)
Innovative Employers in Minnesota Presentation
MarketResponse International conducted a nominations process to identify Minnesota businesses that are using innovative employment practices in hiring people with developmental disabilities and promoting an inclusive work environment. Forty-five nominations were received and 11 businesses were selected. On October 1, 2008, these employers and their employees were recognized. Profiles of the businesses are available in several formats. (April 2009)
PDF Text Press Release (PDF)
Employment Honorees Photo Presentation: PDF
Document Imaging Presentation: PDF
News Segment from Cable Channel 12 Business Beat on Noble Parkway Mobil
News Segment from Cable Channel 12 Business Beat on Golden Valley Byerly's
Information Technology Insights Focus Groups
In May 2008, six focus groups were conducted by Bill Harreld, Quality Culture Institute, to learn how youth with and without disabilities are accessing and using technology, and their perspectives on the future of technology based on predictions that Bill Gates made in 2007. A total of 88 young adults participated in the focus groups. (July 2008)
Learn more about the 2008 Information Technology Insights focus groups »
1962-2007 Public Opinion Poll Results
In 1962, the Minnesota Department of Public Welfare contracted with Social Issues Research, Inc. to conduct 900 face to face interviews with a sample of Minnesotans that was in close approximation to the 1960 Census.
The purpose of the study was to "determine what salience does the problem of mental retardation have for the people of Minnesota?" The Arc of Minnesota was a major partner in this effort. The results were intended to be used to design a community education program to alter misconceptions about people with mental retardation.
Forty five years later, the staff of the Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities discovered a copy of the study while creating an online archive, Parallels in Time, Part 2. The original study, "Survey of Information and Attitudes Regarding Mental Retardation In Minnesota" may be downloaded here. (PDF)
The Council then contracted with MarketResponse International to conduct a similar study – 800 phone interviews were made with a sample of Minnesotans that was in close approximation to the 2005 Census. The purpose of the study was to measure attitudinal changes of the general population in Minnesota during the past 45 years.
The Arc of Minnesota, The Autism Society of Minnesota, Self Advocates of Minnesota, The State Council on Disability, and United Cerebral Palsy of Minnesota are major partners in this effort.
On February 22, 2007 the results of the opinion poll were released. Available as PDF and text-only.
This is the final version of the 1962-2007 Public Opinion Poll and includes the Attitudinal Segmentation Analysis:
1962 Study: Survey of Information and Attitudes Regarding Mental Retardation In Minnesota
The Minnesota Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities is in the process of developing a new Five-year State Plan (2006). The direction of the Plan will reflect what people with developmental disabilities and their families, service providers and front line staff believe are the important issues to be addressed and where positive changes can be made in services and service delivery systems over the next five years.
Two surveys were conducted to assist with this process:
- The Individual Survey (PDF) (Text version) was based on the Quality of Life survey conducted in 2000; and measured levels of independence, productivity, self determination, integration and inclusion among people with developmental disabilities.
- The Provider Survey (PDF) (Text version) collected input from service providers on areas of emphasis and levels of satisfaction with those areas of emphasis.
- The surveys are supported by qualitative statements (PDF) (Text version), input and the personal quotes intended to supplement the quantitative results that are presented in the reports.
In addition to the input from the Individual and Provider surveys conducted by MarketResponse International, visits were scheduled in eight regions of the state to talk with people with developmental disabilities, families, advocates, program managers, and front line staff. The purpose of these meetings was to listen to the people who are receiving and providing services, to learn about the issues that are important to them, and to gather their ideas and suggestions on where and how services and supports could be improved. The notes taken during these meetings and interviews – qualitative statements (PDF)