ASHA article

Question 1

cultural competence

Answer 1

understanding and appropriately responding to the unique combination of cultural variables and the full range of dimensions of diversity that the professional and client/patient/family bring to interactions
–> dynamic and complex process requiring self-assessment and continuous expansion of knowledge

Question 2

culture

Answer 2

encompasses a variety of factors, including age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, language, dialect, immigration status, …

Question 3

relevance of cultural competence for audiologists/SLT’s

Answer 3

practice in a manner that considers each client’s cultural and linguistic characteristics and unique values
=> provide the most effective assessment and intervention services

• respond to demographic changes
• eliminate long-standing disparities in the health status of people
• improve the quality of services and health outcoomes
• meet legislative, regulatory and accreditation mandates
• contribute to a competitive edge in the marketplace
• decrease the likelihood of liability/malpractice claims

Question 4

measures that enable responsiveness to the cultural and linguistic differences

Answer 4

• consider the influence of your own viases and beliefs + their potential impact on service delivery
• identifying and acknowledging limitations in education, training, and knowledge and
  seeking additional resources and education
• ongoing professional development of cultural competence
• demonstrating respect for someone’s age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, …
• integrating client’s traditions, customs, values and beliefs in service delivery
• identifying the impact of assimilation and acculturation on communication patterns
• …

Question 5

advocacy specific to cultural competence

Answer 5

• collaborating with other professionals and organizations
• gaining knowledge of high risk factors for specific communities
• providing education regarding prevention strategies in particular communities
• providing appropriate and culturally relevant consumer information and marketing tools
• identifying and educating communities regarding the impact of legislation on service delivery