A Cultural Perspective: A Survey of U.S. and Egyptian Students Regarding Their Perceptions of People with Disabilities
Naila Nabil Hamdy, Philip J. Auter,Vernon F. Humphrey, Aya Attia

Abstract
This research used a modified version of the Disability Social Relations Generalized Disability (DSRGD) Scale to explore the commonalities and differences of perceptions about people with disabilities across cultural divides. The DSRGD scale measures the effect of the social context on perceptions towards people with disabilities. Approximately 200 U.S. college students and 200 Egyptian college students were surveyed about their perceptions of individuals with disabilities as friends, co-workers and spouses. They were also surveyed about their media use and perceptions of media bias toward disabilities. Results indicated that Egyptian respondents tended to be less positive about people with disabilities than U.S. respondents. Women were less comfortable with people with disabilities than men. Media use appeared to have little or no effect on perceptions of individuals with disabilities.

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