**14. Conclusion**

For people with disabilities to have equal opportunities to participate and to contribute as equal citizens, society needs to accept that munificence extends to all members of society and that difference is recognized and valued [74].

It was identified that people with learning disabilities were functionally, but not socially integrated in communities. Attitudes were very positive towards people with learning disabilities, with only a minority expressing 'stereotypical' concerns. However, clear differences were identified in the attitudes of those in the random sample as opposed to those in the micro-neighbourhood survey. Those who lived near community-homes had more positive attitudes, whereas those in the random sample, while expressing positive attitudes, did not want community-homes in their locality.

It was evident from this study that attitudinal research that combines a micro-neighbourhood and a random survey gives a true picture of attitudes in fact as opposed to attitudes in principle. Hence, a more sensitive and flexible methodology capable of measuring a wider range of attitudes using the design recommended in this chapter has practical utility as a methodological approach. Attitudes cannot be expected to remain static and on-going research is required to monitor and re-evaluate such changes, which will contribute to more informed discussions and more effective planning of services and meaningful socially inclusive and self-determined lifestyles for people with learning disabilities.
