‘Out of the mouths of babes’ – capturing young children's perceptions of disability through the use of diversity dolls

Figures & data

Figure 1. Diversity dolls.

Table 1. Perceptions regarding friendships.

Diversity doll	More friends?	Your friend?	Who would play with?	Total
Mobility impaired	8	10	8	26
No apparent disability	5	3	3	11
Down syndrome	3	3	4	10
Hearing impaired	3	4	1	8
Visually impaired	2	0	3	5
Cleft palate	1	0	1	2

Table 2. Perceptions regarding intellectual and physical abilities.

Diversity doll	Cleverest?	Best at dancing?	Best at football?	Total
Mobility impaired	11	5	1	17
No apparent disability	1	6	2	9
Down syndrome	1	2	9	12
Hearing impaired	2	5	4	11
Visually impaired	7	3	1	11
Cleft palate	0	0	2	2

Table 3. Perceptions regarding temperament.

Diversity doll	Worst behaved?	Best behaved?
Mobility impaired	1	8
No apparent disability	1	4
Down syndrome	11	2
Hearing impaired	4	2
Visually impaired	1	3
Cleft palate	1	1