Blog Post 3 - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are important details that SLPs deal with on a daily basis, whether we recognize it or not. As the photo above mentions, we should respect (and even celebrate) one another's differences, ensure our clients have equal access, opportunity, and support under our care, and maintain a mindset of involvement, engagement, and acceptance when interacting with our patients. 

A practicum situation I have experienced at my SNF so far this semester is advocating for our clients to receive the access, opportunity, and support that they need. Not just with one client, but with every client we serve. The main difference that is present at our facility is dementia and Alzheimer's disease. With this difference comes various levels of involvement and interaction with peers. With some of the higher level cognitive patients we see, we will create a goal for those that are more reclusive (stay in their room more) to come to social dining for at least one meal a day. When I first started my practicum, we had a female client who hardly ever emerged from her room. She had the choice to, and she was able to walk to dining, she just felt a bit reclusive at times. We worked on some socialization strategies and mindsets with this individual and now, not only is she attending meals in the social dining room, but she stays in the dining room extra time between meals to enjoy her snacks and play cards with peers. This is just one example that came to mind when thinking of practicum situations that align with this topic. 

This reflection worksheet was super great in helping me to realize how I include DEI in my current practice at my SNF. Reflecting on this Cultural Competence Checklist, here are my thoughts on subjects I did not score with a 1 (Strongly Agree):

⭐️ Although it may be difficult to accept patient/client wishes that align with their culture but not our professional opinion/clinical recommendation, we must respect and work towards accepting this to ensure our cultural competence in our field of work. 

⭐️ I had to put 3 for the "services provided for LGBTQ" bullet only because I have not had the opportunity to serve clients who identify as such that I am aware of. 

⭐️ Upon reflecting, I have realized that I am not a confrontational human being. I prefer to keep to myself and respect others' space and opinions. I am only not driven to respond to others' insensitive comments or behaviors because of my non-confrontational nature. However, I would like to gain more confidence so that I can step out and advocate more strongly for patients against who these insensitive comments or behaviors are made.

⭐️ I do understand that views of the aging process may influence the clients'/families' decision to seek intervention, but I do not have a full grasp on it yet because I am only just now seeing these situations play out in my first adult placement. I have had the opportunity to hear patient's POA's decline certain services due to them not believing the patient will benefit from it due to their point in the again process. My supervisor mentioned within the first few weeks of my placement that it is our job to advocate all that we can for treatment even in the later stages of dementia and Alzheimer's disease because no matter what stage of life an individual is in, they deserve the right to have equity and inclusion for therapy services.  

Overall, I believe strongly in the good that SLPs can do for our clients and look forward to continuing to learn about how I can incorporate these DEI standards into my clinical practice from here on out!