Final answer:
While people without disabilities often report positive attitudes towards those with disabilities, their behaviors do not always reflect these attitudes, which can lead to unintended discrimination and a lack of true inclusivity. Ongoing education and awareness can help bridge this gap and promote more consistently positive behaviors that align with professed attitudes.
Step-by-step explanation:
There is a complex relationship between the attitudes and behaviors of people without disabilities towards people with disabilities (PWD). While many people report positive attitudes, this does not always translate into positive behaviors. It's common to find a disconnect where individuals express positive attitudes yet may demonstrate behaviors that do not align with these attitudes, either through unintentional microaggressions, lack of accessibility support, or failure to consider PWD in various areas of life.
This is reflective of the broader societal issue where despite the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), challenges persist in employment, accessibility, and social inclusion for PWD. Efforts to increase community education and awareness might bridge the gap between positive attitudes and behaviors, leading to greater inclusion and equity for PWD.
It is crucial to maintain respectful and inclusive language as recommended by psychological associations, thus shaping a society where PWD are not defined by their disability but are seen as full individuals. The de-stigmatization of PWD also plays an important role in aligning attitudes with positive behavior changes within communities.