Cultural Competency Self-Assessment

Use the personal reflection provided to complete a self-assessment. After completing it, write a 2–3 page essay using the APA format, describing your thoughts about your performance on the assessment. Were you surprised? Were you pleased? What are your plans to improve your performance (at least two points)? Do you think it measures cultural competence?
Support your responses with examples.
Cultural Competence Checklist: Personal Reflection
Ratings:
1 Strongly Agree
2 Agree
3 Neutral
4 Disagree
5 Strongly Disagree
This tool was developed to heighten your awareness of how you view clients/patients from culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) populations.
*There is no answer key; however, you should review responses that you rated 5, 4, and even 3.

___ I treat all of my clients with respect for their culture.
___ I do not impose my beliefs and value systems on my clients, their family members, or their friends.
___ I believe that it is acceptable to use a language other than English in the U.S.
___ I accept my clients’ decisions as to the degree to which they choose to acculturate into the dominant culture.
___ I provide services to clients who are GLBTQ (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, or Questioning).
___ I am driven to respond to others’ insensitive comments or behaviors.
___ I do not participate in insensitive comments or behaviors.
___ I am aware that the roles of family members may differ within or across culture or families.
___ I recognize family members and other designees as decision makers for services and support.
___ I respect non-traditional family structures (e.g., divorced parents, same gender parents, grandparents as caretakers).
___ I understand the difference between a communication disability and a communication difference.
___ I understand that views of the aging process may influence the clients’/families’ decision to seek intervention.
___ I understand that there are several American English dialects. I recognize that all English speakers use a dialect of English.
I understand that the use of a foreign accent or limited English skill is not a reflection of:
___ Reduced intellectual capacity
___ The ability to communicate clearly and effectively in a native language
effectively in a native language

_____________________
I understand how culture can affect child-rearing practices such as: ___ Discipline ___ Dressing
___ Toileting
___ Feeding
___ Self-help skills
___ Expectations for the future ___ Communication
I understand the impact of culture on life activities, such as: ___ Education
___ Family roles
___ Religion/faith-based practices
___ Gender roles
___ Alternative medicine
___ Customs or superstitions
___ Employment
___ Perception of time
___ Views of wellness
___ Views of disabilities
___ The value of Western medical treatment
I understand my clients’ cultural norms may influence communication in many ways, including:
___ Eye contact
___ Interpersonal space
___ Use of gestures
___ Comfort with silence
___ Turn-taking
___ Topics of conversation
___ Asking and responding to questions
___ Greetings
___ Interruptions
___ Use of humor
___ Decision-making roles