Meta-Analysis of Disability Simulation Research for Elementary Students in Korea

Disability simulation is an educational approach to modify attitudes and behaviors toward persons with disabilities by allowing participants to experience simulated life activities of individuals with disabilities. Despite the controversy regarding the effectiveness of disability simulations and its potential counterproductive effects, however, disability simulations are considered as a common means for improving disability awareness in educational settings. The current research examines the effectiveness of disability simulations for elementary students in Korea by replicating meta-analytic research of Flower et al. (2007). Results show that the overall effect size is.80 which is different from the results of previous meta-analytic research (=.04). This research discusses the difference in results and provides practical advice that complements identified shortcomings of disability simulations.