Use the link 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?

Cultural Competence Checklist: Personal Reflection

_____________________

*While several sources were consulted in the development of this checklist, the following document inspired its design:

Goode, T. D. (1989, revised 2002). Promoting cultural and linguistic competence self-assessment checklist for personnel

Providing services and supports in early intervention and childhood settings.

Reference this material as: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2010). Cultural Competence Checklist: Personal reflection. Available

from www.asha.org/uploadedFiles/practice/multicultural/personalreflections.pdf.

© Copyright 2010 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. All rights reserved.

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

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

Ratings:

1 Strongly Agree

2 Agree

3 Neutral

4 Disagree

 

5 Strongly Disagree