A REEXAMINATION OF TRINGO’S HIERARCHY OF PREFERENCE: THIRTY YEARS OF ATTITUDES TOWARD VARIOUS DISABILITIES AND OTHER CATEGORIES USING THE DISABILITY SOCIAL DISTANCE SCALE

This study reexamines and updates empirical research from 30 years ago in which Tringo examined preferences toward various disability types. Research indicates that disabled persons do not comprise a single homogeneous class in respect to discrimination, but the heterogeneity of persons with disabilities requires a more complex understanding. A modified version of the Disability Social Distance Scale examines levels or preference or intimacy for 17 disability and 13 other categories of behavior or status. Rankings and scores by similar subjects from 30 years ago are highly correlated with current scores despite strong legal and social attempts to lessen bias. Newer disabilities, like AIDS, are integrated into the hierarchy of preference