2022 Minnesota General Population Survey of Attitudes Towards People with Developmental Disabilities MN Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities Quantitative Research Study #2496A 4 April 2022 CONTENTS PAGE Research Overview 1 Respondent Profiles 2 Familiarity with Developmental Disabilities 4 Executive Summary 5 Detailed Findings: Attitudes Towards People with Developmental Disabilities Integration and Inclusion 7 Productivity 14 Self Determination 17 Services and Supports 20 Importance of Government Services 24 MINNESOTA GENERAL POPULATION ATTITUDINAL TRACKING STUDY An original attitudinal survey regarding people with developmental disabilities was conducted by the state of Minnesota in 1962; the survey was repeated in 2007, and then in 5-year increments: 2012, 2017, and now in 2022, 60 years after the original benchmark study. Some of the original questions were retained in each survey; new questions were added to reflect 21st century issues and concerns. Initial Qualitative Research. Prior to conducting the statewide survey, a one-hour qualitative online forum was conducted in December 2021 among a sample of 30 Minnesotans. In order to represent a diversity of opinions, a good mix of respondents based on age, race, ethnicity, gender, income, education, location, and political affiliation was achieved. Using an online forum for respondents to express and share ideas, we gained new depth of insights regarding many of the attitudes measured in the quantitative survey. RESPONDENT PROFILE: GENDER, RACE, ETHNICITY, AGE This survey of the general population of adults in Minnesota was conducted in February 2022. Respondents chose to opt-in to the online survey, and the sample was balanced by age, race, ethnicity and location, in order to match census parameters and represent the Minnesota population. The survey included questions designed to capture the Minnesota general public’s perspectives regarding equality, equity, diversity and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities. Age Sample n=900 Census Parameters 18-24 10% 8% 25-34 20% 18% 35-44 20% 17% 45-54 16% 16% 55-64 16% 18% 65-74 12% 13% 75+ 5% 9% Race and Ethnicity Sample n=900 Census Parameters White, Caucasian 63% 73% Black, African American 11% 7% Hispanic or Latino 8% 6% Asian or Pacific Islander 7% 5% American Indian or Alaskan Native 4% 1% Other (alone) 1% 3% Two or more races 6% 6% Gender Sample n=900 Male 48% Female 51% Other 1% RESPONDENT PROFILE: RESPONDENTS’ LOCATION The geographic distribution of the survey respondents closely matched that of the general population of Minnesotans. Region Sample n=900 Census Parameters Northeast 8% 7% Northwest 5% 4% Central 8% 6% West Central 9% 8% Metro 58% 62% Southwest 4% 3% Southeast 9% 11% Type of Location Sample n=900 Suburban 34% St. Paul City 9% Minneapolis City 15% Rural 11% Small town 15% Small city 13% 2022 Survey Introduction to all respondents: As you may know, one current issue in Minnesota concerns services for people with developmental disabilities. This term refers to approximately 1 – 2 percent of the Minnesota population. Developmental disabilities refer to individuals with a severe, chronic disability from birth: * manifested before age 22; * attributable to a mental or physical impairment * or a combination of mental and physical impairments; * need for services, supports or assistance of lifelong or extended duration. FAMILIARITY WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES Two-thirds (66%) of the survey respondents said they knew someone who was thought to have a developmental disability, and approximately one-third (31%) believed that they were very familiar with developmental disabilities. Have you, yourself, ever known of a person who was thought to have developmental disabilities? Sample n=900 Yes 66% No 23% Not sure 11% How familiar are you with developmental disabilities? Would you say you are….? Sample n=900 Very familiar (n=257) 31% Somewhat familiar (n=341) 38% Slightly familiar (n=205) 23% Not at all familiar (n=72) 9% How would you characterize your relationship with this person? Sample n=594 Immediate family member 30% Other relative 18% Friend 19% Neighbor 3% Related to friend of family 10% Casual acquaintance 11% Person at work 5% Other 4% EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Eight-out-of-10 Minnesotans agree (and only 6% disagree) that people with developmental disabilities should be included in public spaces and social events. We have come a long way since 1962 when: * 25% 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 * 35% believed people with developmental disabilities should be kept in an institution Eight-out-of-10 Minnesotans agree that society should do everything in its power to help those who are most vulnerable. * 65% of Minnesotans do not believe too much taxpayer money is being spent on people with developmental disabilities; * however, 14% believe too much is being spent, and 22% are not sure Most Minnesotans (86%) believe the State should allocate more funds to support PCAs and related services for Minnesotans with developmental disabilities. * Only 6% reject the idea that more taxpayers’ money is needed for these services. 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: * Barriers to Employment * Bullying, teasing, name calling * Being excluded, treated poorly * Limited accessibility There appears to be general acknowledgement that there is much room for improvement in how well the State and its people as a whole are providing the needed quality of services to people with developmental disabilities. All things considered, how would you rate the overall performance of Minnesota state government, or the state and its people as a whole, in providing needed quality of services to people with developmental disabilities? 9-Point Rating Scale Sample n=900 9 Excellent 9% 8 9% 7 Good 30% 6 17% 5 Fair 23% 4 5% 3 Sub-par 4% 2 1% 1 Poor 2% Mean: 6.1 52% rate less than good 18% rate the state better than good ATTITUDES RELATED TO PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES Respondents rated the extent to which they agreed or disagreed (using a five-point scale) with several statements related to people with developmental disabilities and selected quality of life issues, including: * Integration and Inclusion * Productivity * Self Determination * Services and Supports PUBLIC and SOCIAL INCLUSION We see a slight increase in 2022 among those who are unsure or disagree whether people with developmental disabilities should be included in public spaces and social events. However, widespread agreement remains among Minnesotans, with 8-out-of-10 agreeing with social inclusion. We have come a long way since 1962 when: – 25% 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 – 35% believed they should be kept in an institution People with developmental disabilities should be included in public places and social events A 2007 n=806 B 2012 n=285 C 2017 n=1,001 D 2022 n=900 Agree Strongly 76% 77% 56% AB 58%AB Agree Somewhat 21% 20% 34% AB 24% Neither or Don’t Know 2% 2% 7% 12% ABC Disagree Strongly or Somewhat 1% 1% 2% 6% ABC ABC Indicates statistically significant differences between populations at the 95% confidence level SOCIAL INTEGRATION vs PERSONAL AVOIDANCE QUALITATIVE INSIGHTS: Please list public places or events where you feel accommodations should be made (or improved) for persons with developmental disabilities Supportive of Accommodations for SOCIAL INTEGRATION: Any public place should have accommodations: theaters, museums, rallies, outdoor activities, concerts, restaurants. I think education and the school system is fundamentally flawed and would need addressing first. Accommodations should be made wherever possible. They're members of the society and deserve to be treated with kindness. VS. PERSONAL AVOIDANCE: People are afraid of what they don't know. Not of ill intent, but a lot of people just don't know how to interact with people with developmental disabilities, so they avoid them. I myself try to avoid contact with disabled people. I just don't like dealing with it. INTEGRATION AND INCLUSION Another issue related to Integration and Inclusion continues to be the question whether school-aged children with developmental disabilities should be taught together in the same classes as other children. Half of Minnesotans believe we’re all better off when all students are taught together; while the rest are evenly split between those who disagree and those who are unsure. Disagree Strongly Disagree Somewhat Neither Agree Somewhat Agree Strongly People with developmental disabilities should be encouraged to get out and be involved in the community 3% 4% 11% 27% 56% People with developmental disabilities should be included in public places and social events 2% 4% 12% 24% 58% People with developmental disabilities should be integrated into society as much as possible 4% 5% 14% 30% 46% Everyone would be better off if school-aged children with developmental disabilities were taught together in the same classes as other children, as much as possible 7% 17% 24% 31% 20% It’s OK to exclude people with developmental disabilities from many public situations; they cannot be expected to fit in 47% 22% 16% 8% 6% If a person with developmental disabilities moved into my neighborhood, I’d be concerned 59% 17% 13% 7% 5% INTEGRATION IN THE CLASSROOM QUALITATIVE INSIGHTS: Please explain why you agree or disagree that students with developmental disabilities should be taught together with other students, as much as possible. AGREE that Students with Developmental Disabilities should be taught together with other students: It helps them associate with people without disabilities, as well as helping the people without disabilities learn how to associate with individuals that do have disabilities. Let's educate our children about disabilities and foster an environment of empathy, compassion and teamwork. Kids with disabilities need socialization as well as education. Do NOT Support Classroom Integration for Students with Developmental Disabilities, or IT DEPENDS: They hold back other kids from learning at a more advanced rate. It depends on the level of disability; some children are just not able to do it. All children deserve the right to learn, but not all children learn the same way. Sometimes being separated helps the child as well as the class. The para can focus in on their individual needs when possible. INTEGRATION AND INCLUSION ? Discrimination Towards People with Developmental Disabilities Do you believe people with developmental disabilities face any form of discrimination? Sample n=900 Yes 86% No 5% Not sure 9% QUALITATIVE INSIGHTS: What specific situations or incidents of discrimination towards persons with developmental disabilities have you witnessed, or heard of? Barriers to Employment I believe that people with developmental disabilities face the greatest discrimination when trying to get jobs. Bullying, Teasing, name calling Kids at school bullying kids that were in the special ed classes. Patronizing, ignoring, rude comments; treated like they aren’t regular people. I've heard people making fun of people who look different and act different; former president making fun of someone with a disability. Exclusion, treated poorly They are judged way quicker and people are not very nice most of the time to them. Not very patient with them either. People get impatient when they have to go around wheelchairs and electric scooters. Limited accessibility General exclusion from events and places. The infrastructure in place currently is only somewhat designed to accommodate varying levels of ability. INTEGRATION AND INCLUSION ? Making People With Developmental Disabilities Feel More Included QUALITATIVE INSIGHTS: What, if anything, do you believe should be done to make people with developmental disabilities feel more included? More Resources, Training, and Opportunities for People With Developmental Disabilities: Give the resources they need. I have seen firsthand the lack on resources for people who need it, especially those with mental health issues. Try to acclimate with a "normal life" including holding a job, grocery shopping, paying bills, etc. They should be receiving the supports they need both in school and after graduation. In addition, accommodations at public events would be helpful. Medical and mental care to improve their life and ability to be with other people on a more equal basis. Education, Change and Effort by the General Public: I think educating the general public that people with disabilities are not some strange or bad would be the most helpful. More opportunities to discuss or be educated about the challenges people with disabilities go through. Overall better awareness of what developmental disabilities are and how to help. They should be treated as people like everyone else. Some may need more help at times but that can be said of people without disabilities too. Make public places more accessible, better education on how to include people who are different. Organizations should develop programs that center around inclusiveness, outreach, and events that help include them. PRODUCTIVITY ? Help Living to Highest Potential While the majority agree that we’re all better off when society helps people with disabilities live to their highest potential, the percent of Minnesotans who agree with this statement has dropped from 96% to 80% over the past decade. When society helps people with disabilities live to their highest potential, we’re all better off A 2007 n=806 B 2012 n=285 C 2017 n=1,001 D 2022 n=900 Agree Strongly 82% 81% 65% AB 59% ABC Agree Somewhat 14% 15% 25% AB 21% ABC Neither or Don’t Know 2% 2% 8% AB 12% Disagree Strongly or Somewhat 2% 2% 2% 8% AB ABC Indicates statistically significant differences between populations at the 95% confidence level QUALITATIVE INSIGHTS: Reasons given for attitudes regarding value to all when helping people reach their potential We’re ALL BETTER OFF: When society helps anyone live to their highest potential, we are all better off. Sometimes people just need a little boost to see their potential and then can be something truly amazing. I think success for one is success for all. Period. People that are living their highest potential are less likely to get into trouble, and (more likely) to be a productive member of society. But parents, not society, are responsible The main responsibility falls on the parents, especially if it is due to drug use by the parents. PRODUCTIVITY ? Education/Training Productive Workers Though general agreement with this statement remains high, the percent who agree has decreased from 91% to 80% in the past decade. With the right education or training, most people with developmental disabilities could be very productive workers A 2007 n=806 B 2012 n=285 C 2017 n=1,001 D 2022 n=900 Agree Strongly 60% 58% 49% AB 51% AB Agree Somewhat 31% 33% 38% 29% C Neither or Don’t Know 5% 5% 10% AB 14% AB Disagree Strongly or Somewhat 4% 4% 2% 6% ABC Indicates statistically significant differences between populations at the 95% confidence level PRODUCTIVITY ? Respect for Employers The percent of Minnesotans who have a lot of respect for companies that employ people with developmental disabilities has dropped significantly from 97% in both 2007 and 2012, 92% in 2017, down to 79% in 2022. I have a lot of respect for companies that employ people with developmental disabilities A 2007 n=806 B 2012 n=285 C 2017 n=1,001 D 2022 n=900 Agree Strongly 85% 86% 64% AB 59% ABC Agree Somewhat 12% 11% 28% AB 20% ABC Neither or Don’t Know 2% 2% 7% AB 14% ABC Disagree Strongly or Somewhat 2% 1% 2% 7% ABC ABC Indicates statistically significant differences between populations at the 95% confidence level The idea of giving preferential treatment regarding employment for people with developmental disabilities is controversial. Forty-four percent believe preferential treatment should be given, 23% disagree, and 34% are not sure. Similar levels of agreement, disagreement and uncertainty are also expressed in opinions regarding the costs to businesses for ADA compliance Disagree Strongly Disagree Somewhat Neither Agree Somewhat Agree Strongly When society helps people with disabilities live to their highest potential, we’re all better off 3% 5% 12% 21% 59% With the right education or training, most people with developmental disabilities could be very productive workers 2% 4% 14% 29% 51% I have a lot of respect for companies that employ people with developmental disabilities 3% 4% 14% 20% 59% Society should not give preferential treatment regarding employment of people with developmental disabilities. 22% 22% 34% 14% 9% Many of the requirements of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) are excessive and too costly for a lot of businesses to comply with 28% 18% 31% 15% 8% QUALITATIVE INSIGHTS: Reasons given for attitudes regarding preferential treatment for employment. Preferential Treatment SHOULD NOT be Given: I don't think preferential treatment should be given to anyone. To give someone a job because they are a certain race, gender, or have a disability is discrimination. While I don't believe that a person should be barred from employment due to developmental disability, I also don't think that preferential treatment is the answer. Give them the tools they need to succeed with equity in mind. You shouldn't go to the head of the line just because your disabled, nor to the end of the line. Preferential Treatment SHOULD be Given: Depends on what "preferential treatment" amounts to. If you mean programs designed to increase workforce diversity, then yeah, I mean those should be supported, even if it requires additional resources. YES to Accommodations, but NO to Preferential Treatment I believe employment should be based on merit. If someone with developmental disabilities is the best fit, I believe any necessary accommodations should be made for them. QUALITATIVE INSIGHTS: Reasons given for attitudes regarding costs for businesses to comply with ADA All Businesses Need to Pay the Costs to Comply with the ADA: I feel like the “too costly thing” may be a way to try to get out of giving those with developmental disabilities a fair shake. It should be considered the cost of doing business. Not a burden. Everything is built for the average, rather than total accessibility. Change the thinking in design of cities, buildings, etc., and you don't have to spend more money to accommodate all - just do it right the first time. ADA Compliance is TOO COSTLY for Some Businesses: Larger companies can afford the costs. But for smaller businesses, it may be a lot. The requirements to satisfy the rulebook is hard on some businesses. There are some businesses where the ADA is totally unnecessary. Mandating lifts in swimming pools for instance. SELF DETERMINATION While statements related to voting rights, having children, and alcohol consumption still evoke some controversy, we have clearly come a long way since 1962. 1962 beliefs regarding people with developmental disabilities: – 48% believed they should not be able to vote for president – 89% believed they should not be able to drink alcohol – 28% believed could not learn to live normal lives Disagree Strongly Disagree Somewhat Neither Agree Somewhat Agree Strongly People with developmental disabilities can live happy, fulfilling lives 3% 4% 10% 21% 62% People with developmental disabilities should be allowed to vote 6% 9% 23% 28% 34% People with developmental disabilities should be allowed to have children, just like everyone else 5% 11% 31% 26% 26% People with developmental disabilities should be able to drink alcohol 9% 14% 34% 25% 18% Most people with developmental disabilities should not have the opportunity of making major life decisions: where they live, where they work, with whom they associate, etc. 33% 30% 21% 10% 6% People with developmental disabilities should not be allowed to live on their own; they need to be closely supervised 30% 31% 23% 12% 5% SELF DETERMINATION ? Voting Rights Higher levels of uncertainty and disagreement regarding voting rights for people with developmental disabilities were evident in both 2017 and 2022 surveys, as compared to 2012. Though opinions are far more favorable than they were in 1962. People with developmental disabilities should be allowed to vote: A 1962 n=900 B 2007 n=806 C 2012 n=285 D 2017 n=1,001 E 2022 n=900 Agree Strongly 15% 37% A 37% A 27% ABC 34% AD Agree Somewhat 31% 34% 33% 34% 28% BD Neither or Don’t Know 6% 13% A 18% AB 26% ABC 23% ABC Disagree Strongly or Somewhat 48% 17% A 13% A 12% AB 15% A ABC Indicates statistically significant differences between populations at the 95% confidence level QUALITATIVE INSIGHTS: Please explain why you believe that people with development disabilities . . . SHOULD be allowed to vote: Just because someone is disabled doesn't mean they are unable to think for themselves and have a political opinion. People with these disabilities should not be excluded from the opportunity to voice their opinion and what they need. They are people and deserve the same rights as all people. Being disabled doesn’t make them any less a person. IT DEPENDS: Depends on the level of developmental disability. If an individual can comprehend the consequences of their vote, they should be allowed to do so. I think this needs to be analyzed first, not to have people with developmental disabilities become prey to biased individuals. It depends on whether or not their capabilities mentally are sufficient to understand complex enough issues to make fully encompassed decisions. SELF DETERMINATION ? Alcohol Consumption Over the 10-year period from 2007 to 2017 we saw a softening of attitudes regarding people with developmental disabilities being allowed to drink alcohol. The softening continued over the past 5 years, with more Minnesotans (43%) agreeing that it should be allowed. (A pandemic impact, perhaps?) People with developmental disabilities should be allowed to drink alcohol A 1962 n=900 B 2007 n=806 C 2017 n=1,001 D 2022 n=900 Agree Strongly 1% 5% 11% AB 18% ABC Agree Somewhat 8% 20% A 27% AB 25% A Neither or Don’t Know 2% 24% A 41% AB 34% ABC Disagree Strongly or Somewhat 89% 51% A 22% AB 23% AB ABC Indicates statistically significant differences between populations at the 95% confidence level SELF DETERMINATION ? Living Independently About 6-out-of-10 Minnesotans support the idea that people with developmental disabilities should be allowed to live on their own. That proportion has pretty much remained unchanged over the past decade. People with developmental disabilities should not be allowed to live on their own; they need to be closely supervised A 2012 n=285 B 2017 n=1,001 C 2022 n=900 Agree Strongly 7% 3% 5% Agree Somewhat 19% 12% A 12% A Neither or Don’t Know 12% 23% A 23% A Disagree Somewhat 34% 40% A 31% B Disagree Strongly 27% 21% A 30% B ABC Indicates statistically significant differences between populations at the 95% confidence level SERVICES and SUPPORTS Eight-out-of-10 Minnesotans agree that society should do everything in its power to help those who are most vulnerable. And while two-thirds (65%) do not believe too much taxpayer money is being spent on people with developmental disabilities, 14% believe too much is being spent, and 22% are not sure. Disagree Strongly Disagree Somewhat Neither Agree Somewhat Agree Strongly Society should do everything in its power to help those individuals who are most vulnerable 4% 4% 11% 25% 56% Parents of children with developmental disabilities cannot be expected to provide all necessary services themselves 7% 9% 22% 31% 30% Too much taxpayer money is being spent on people with developmental disabilities 42% 23% 22% 9% 5% When someone is born with a developmental disability, we shouldn’t assist them too much, because ultimately its survival of the fittest 56% 16% 12% 6% 7% If someone has a child with developmental disabilities that’s their problem. There’s really no reason why the rest of us should have to pay any of the extra costs of raising that child 45% 24% 17% 9% 4% HELPING THOSE MOST VULNERABLE The majority of Minnesotans support helping those who are most vulnerable. However, there was a decline in agreement with this attitude over the past four studies, from a high of 95% in 2007, to 81% in 2022. Society should do everything in its power to help those individuals who are most vulnerable A 2007 n=806 B 2012 n=285 C 2017 n=1,001 D 2022 n=900 Agree Strongly 76% 75% 54% AB 56% AB Agree Somewhat 19% 18% 33% AB 25% ABC Neither or Don’t Know 3% 3% 9% AB 11% AB Disagree Strongly or Somewhat 2% 3% 4% 8% AB ABC Indicates statistically significant differences between populations at the 95% confidence level SERVICES and SUPPORTS ? Help For Parents While the majority of Minnesotans believe that parents of children with developmental disabilities cannot be expected to provide all necessary services themselves, agreement with this notion has declined somewhat over the past four years from 82% in 2017, to 61% in 2022. Parents of children with developmental disabilities cannot be expected to provide all necessary services themselves A 2007 n=806 B 2012 n=285 C 2017 n=1,001 D 2022 n=900 Agree Strongly 44% 42% 26% AB 30% ABC Agree Somewhat 38% 35% 43% AB 31% AC Neither or Don’t Know 6% 8% 20% AB 22% AB Disagree Strongly or Somewhat 12% 15% 11% B 16% AC ABC Indicates statistically significant differences between populations at the 95% confidence level SERVICES and SUPPORTS ? Spending Taxpayers’ Money In 2022 there was a slight uptick in the percent of Minnesotans who agree that too much is being spent (14% vs 10% in 2017). Concurrently there was an increase in the percent who Disagree Strongly (42% in 2022, up from 36% in 2017). Too much taxpayer money is being spent on people with developmental disabilities A 2007 n=806 B 2012 n=285 C 2017 n=1,001 D 2022 n=900 Agree Strongly 1% 4% 2% 5% AC Agree Somewhat 5% 10% A 8% B 9% Neither or Don’t Know 21% 21% 28% 22% C Disagree Somewhat 25% 22% 26% AB 23% Disagree Strongly 48% 42% A 36% AB 42% AC ABC Indicates statistically significant differences between populations at the 95% confidence level QUALITATIVE INSIGHTS: Reasons given for attitudes regarding spending taxpayer money Believe that too much taxpayer money is NOT being spent on people with developmental disabilities: The tiny sliver being spent on folks with disabilities is NOTHING in comparison to everything else we spend money towards - namely, military spending and lining billionaires' pockets? I think we can afford to provide people with better services. I believe the budget for disabled individuals is and has always been minimum here in Minnesota. There is a lack of resources for those who need it. They tend to put them in jail or prison instead of taking the time to help them. Believe that too much taxpayer money IS being spent on people with developmental disabilities: Spending money isn't always the answer. Some of the money is wasted. I think the money needs to come from multiple sources not just taxes. Nonprofits and grants are important as well. This is a difficult situation. I think that a lot of taxpayer money is spent, but if I was disabled, I would surely think (the level of spending) was right. I don't want to pay for a kid's disability due to drugs. Parents should be locked up. SERVICES and SUPPORTS ? Parents’ Responsibility While most Minnesotans continue to disagree with this statement, in 2017 and continued into 2022 there were fewer who disagreed strongly (45%), and a concerning number who agreed (13%)with the statement that parents were solely responsible for paying the extra costs of raising a child with developmental disabilities. If someone has a child with developmental disabilities that’s their problem. There’s really no reason why the rest of us should have to pay any of the extra costs of raising that child A 2007 n=806 B 2012 n=285 C 2017 n=1,001 D 2022 n=900 Agree Strongly 2% 2% 3% 4% Agree Somewhat 4% 4% 9% 9% Neither or Don’t Know 5% 5% 17% AB 17% AB Disagree Somewhat 22% 20% 30% AB 24% C Disagree Strongly 67% 68% 41% AB 45% ABC ABC Indicates statistically significant differences between populations at the 95% confidence level SERVICES and SUPPORTS ? Support for more funding for PCAs for people with developmental disabilities The respondents were shown the following statement: The State of Minnesota currently provides a variety of services for over 50,000 Minnesotans with developmental disabilities, including but not limited to: * In-home personal care * Vocational/employment services * Transportation services Unfortunately, there has been serious cutbacks in all of these service areas, as companies throughout the state compete for workers, with higher pay and other incentives. The need to earn a livable wage drives a striking percentage of direct care and support professionals out of the industry. This leaves agencies and other providers struggling — or unable — to provide the requested services to people in need. The majority of Minnesotans (86%) believe the State should allocate more funds to support PCAs and related services for Minnesotans with developmental disabilities. Only 6% reject the idea that more taxpayers’ money is needed for these services. Do you believe more tax dollars should be allocated to attract and retain the people needed to provide these services for Minnesotans with developmental disabilities? Would you say . . . Total sample (n=900) Yes, I strongly believe the State of Minnesota should allocate more funds to support all of these services 52% Yes, I would tend to support more funding, but only in those areas where it’s absolutely needed 34% No, I would tend to reject the idea that more taxpayers’ money is needed for services for people with developmental disabilities 6% I don’t know, I don’t have an opinion either way 8% IMPORTANCE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES Using a five-point scale, respondents rated the importance for government to provide services for people with developmental disabilities, related to the following subject areas: * Housing and Living * Education * Employment * and other Services and Supports Five Point scale: Not at all important Somewhat important Very important 1 2 3 4 5 IMPORTANCE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES - HOUSING and LIVING Minnesotans generally believe it is more important to provide specified services (transportation, housing assistance, PCAs), as opposed to direct subsidies to families and adults with developmental disabilities. HOUSING and LIVING Services 4 5, Very Important Top 2-Box Total Transportation services, to enable people with developmental disabilities, who are unable to drive, get to work, doctor appointments, grocery stores and other places they need or want to go 23% 53% 76% Housing assistance, foster care, or group homes for people with developmental disabilities 27% 44% 71% Provision of personal assistants, who assist people with developmental disabilities, to enable them to live more independently, or as they choose 25% 44% 69% Foster care homes for children with developmental disabilities 26% 39% 65% Subsidies to families to pay for extra costs of caring for children with developmental disabilities 25% 32% 57% Subsidies to enable adults with developmental disabilities to rent or purchase their own homes 26% 31% 57% IMPORTANCE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES – EDUCATION The majority of Minnesotans are very supportive of government services in support of education. EDUCATION Services 4 5, Very Important Top 2-Box Total Special education services for students with developmental disabilities 22% 55% 77% Services to help students with developmental disabilities transition from high school, to college or gainful employment 24% 52% 76% Early childhood special education services (Pre-Kindergarten, birth to age 5) to help children with developmental disabilities prepare for school 18% 56% 74% Better access to post-secondary education opportunities (college, trade schools) 26% 47% 73% Individual teaching assistants who enable children with developmental disabilities to attend regular public school classes 24% 46% 70% IMPORTANCE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES – EMPLOYMENT Most Minnesotans are also very supportive of government provided employment related services for people with developmental disabilities. EMPLOYMENT RELATED Services 4 5, Very Important Top 2-Box Total Employment services that help people with developmental disabilities get placed in jobs that reflect their interests and skills 25% 51% 76% Employment services so that people with developmental disabilities can learn job skills 21% 54% 75% Internships, apprenticeships, or other employment opportunities designed specifically for people with developmental disabilities 26% 47% 73% Training services for employers to learn how to provide a welcoming work environment for people with developmental disabilities 24% 49% 73% Vocational counseling, to individuals with developmental disabilities who earn less than minimum wage, to help them get a better paying job 24% 47% 71% On the job assistance, so people with developmental disabilities can work in regular businesses 26% 44% 70% IMPORTANCE OF GOVERNMENT SERVICES – OTHER For people with developmental disabilities, Minnesotans believe it’s most important for government to provide access to quality, coordinated healthcare services, and protection services to prevent abuse. OTHER Services 4 5, Very Important Top 2-Box Total Access to quality, coordinated healthcare services 22% 57% 79% Protection services to prevent abuse of people with developmental disabilities 18% 58% 76% Training and counseling services for parents of people with developmental disabilities 24% 51% 75% Legal advice and representation for people with developmental disabilities 26% 47% 73% Research to learn about the causes of autism and other developmental disabilities 24% 49% 73% Training for people with developmental disabilities, and or their advocates, on how to exercise rights and speak up for themselves 21% 50% 71% Programs that connect a parent with a child with a developmental disability with another parent of a child with a developmental disability, for counseling and support 24% 44% 68% INVESTIGATING INCIDENCES OF ABUSE The respondents were shown the following statement: There are many forms of abuse: physical, verbal, sexual, financial etc.; and unfortunately, people with developmental disabilities are particularly vulnerable. In Minnesota alone, in the year 2020, there were: * 11,945 allegations of financial exploitation * 8,668 allegations of physical abuse * 21,210 allegations of caregiver neglect * 11,216 allegations of emotional abuse * 2,252 allegations of sexual abuse And these numbers don’t begin to include the many incidents unwitnessed or unreported. How important do you believe it is for government to investigate all reports of abuse of people with developmental disabilities? Very important, 5 67% 4 20% Somewhat important, 3 12% 2 1% Not at all important 0% QUALITATIVE INSIGHTS: What can be done to prevent abuse towards people with developmental disabilities? EDUCATION AND AWARENESS: Teaching people at an early age to have respect for everyone. It starts at home. People need to be taught how to treat others with respect and dignity and have more patience with people who are struggling. QUALITY STAFF, and Monitoring: Starting with ensuring they have trustworthy, educated, and well-compensated staff that understand needs and are willing to speak out against injustices. Advocacy is a great tool. Install cameras, everyone needs to be held accountable for any mistreatment or abuse. PERSONAL INTERVENTION when it is seen Social workers visiting and doing welfare checks on them and being required to report seeing injuries or other noted items that could indicate abuse. Giving them information that lets them know what abuse is. OVERALL RATING OF MINNESOTA STATE GOVERNMENT ON SERVICES TO PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISSABILITIES Over half of Minnesotans (52%) believe that the State and its people performs less than good in providing needed quality of services to people with developmental disabilities. Eighteen percent rate the state’s performance as better than good. All things considered, how would you rate the overall performance of Minnesota state government, or the state and its people as a whole, in providing needed quality of services to people with developmental disabilities? 9-Point Rating Scale Sample n=900 9 Excellent 9% 8 9% 7 Good 30% 6 17% 5 Fair 23% 4 5% 3 Sub-par 4% 2 1% 1 Poor 2% QUALITATIVE INSIGHTS: How do you believe the general population learns about issues people with developmental disabilities face? Mainstream Media, Social Media, TV and Movies, Personal Experience: TV news or a personal experience with someone probably. I think people do not exert any additional energy unless it is fed to them, or it affects someone close to them in some manner. Depends on the demographic. For people around my age, most of the news or information comes from social media or the internet. Through personal interactions, social media and television or movies. By coming in contact with them or through school when you were younger. From local news outlets, the Para Olympic coverage, from people they know with disabilities. 2