Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity

involves recognizing, accepting, & including people from various backgrounds, ethnic/cultural identities, values, abilities, etc.

allows people to feel empowered, respected, safe, fairly treated & recognized

Culture: thoughts, communication, actions, customs, beliefs, values, etc., adopted by a particular group
Culturally responsive care: actively developing a relationship grounded in mutuality & intentional respect for a person's culture
Cultural sensitivity: appropriately responding to attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of groups of people that share a common/particular racial, national, religious, linguistic, or cultural heritage
Cultural humility: maintaining an interpersonal stance on aspects of cultural identity most important to a client that is other oriented

Client-centered evaluation means addressing diverse cultural factors affecting the client's occupational performance & participation
Client's background and culture need to be considered

Select tools designed for the population client identifies with
Modify existing valid/reliable tools to better match & meet clients' needs
Ensure it addresses daily activities/lifestyles that match clients' needs
Review psychometric data to determine sample demographics
Culture-based assessments are typically non-standardized
- Use when there is no adaptable standardized assessment tool that addresses culture

Actively listen to client's story
Recognize aspects of diversity as they relate to a life event (illness/disability)
Ask questions, if/when appropriate:
- How they feel their culture/diversity factors may be affecting their occupational performance/participation
Document diversity-based challenges
Seek resources and/or support to help clients' overcome diversity challenges

Who is my client? What is available or unavailable to assist this client?
What does my client's culture look like and how does it affect their daily functioning?
What are the client's needs as a member of a diverse or minority group?
Do my clients feel that they belong to their plan of care and that the care/intervention is meaningful?

Evaluate yourself first!
- Are there any blind spots or implicit biases you have?
Evaluate and understand context & the current society/region
Implement TIC approaches
- Safety
- Trustworthiness & transparency
- Peer support
- Collaboration & mutuality
- Empowerment, voice, & choice
- Cultural, historical & gender issues
Modify evaluation & testing as needed
Utilize empathy and provide flexible options
Use open-ended questions to avoid triggering prior trauma

Morin, A. (2025). Addressing & ethics in OT evaluation. [Google slides]. Google Suites. https://kodiak.wne.edu/d2l/le/content/114052/viewContent/1642965/View

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