Developing the Co-Worker Acceptance of Disabled Employees (CADE) Scale

Abstract There are a number of scales intended to measure workplace attitudes toward people with disabilities. However, there is limited demonstration of validity evidence, especially theoretical validity. This article reports on the development of the Co-Worker Acceptance of Disabled Employees (CADE) Scale, including an examination of theoretical and empirical validity evidences. Theoretical validity is supported by screening each scale item through the difference model of disability. Empirical validity evidence is generated through a content validity study and an initial validity study. Exploratory factor analysis reveals that workplace attitudes toward employees with disabilities are based on perceived differences between those with disabilities and others. The CADE Scale will support workplace training and provide evidence of attitude change subsequent to workplace disability-related interventions.