1. I display pictures, posters, artwork and other decor that reflect the cultures and ethnic backgrounds of clients served by my program or agency.

2. I ensure that magazines, brochures and other printed materials in reception areas are of interest to and reflect the different cultures of individuals and families served by my program or agency.

3. When using videos, films or other media resources for health education, treatment or other interventions, I ensure that they reflect the cultures and ethnic background of individuals and families served by my program or agency.

4. I ensure that printed information disseminated by my agency or program considers the average literacy levels of individuals and families receiving services.

5.1. When interacting with individuals and families who have limited English proficiency, I always keep in mind that limitations in English proficiency are in no way a reflection of their level of intellectual functioning.

5.2. When interacting with individuals and families who have limited English proficiency, I always keep in mind that their limited ability to speak the language of the dominant culture has no bearing on their ability to communicate effectively in their language of origin.

5.3. When interacting with individuals and families who have limited English proficiency, I always keep in mind that they may or may not be literate in their language of origin or English.

6. I use bilingual-bicultural staff and/or multilingual/multicultural staff and/or personnel and volunteers who are skilled or certified in the provision of medical and behavioral health interpretation during treatment, interventions, meetings or other events for individuals and families who need or prefer this level of assistance.

7. For individuals and families who speak languages or dialects other than English, I attempt to learn and use key words in their language so that I am better able to communicate with them during assessment, treatment or other interventions.

8. I attempt to determine any familial colloquialisms used by individuals or families that may impact on assessment, treatment, health promotion and education or other interventions.

9. For those who request or need this service, I ensure that all notices and communiqués to individuals and families are written in their language of origin.

10. I understand that it may be necessary to use alternatives to written communications for some individuals and families, as word of mouth may be a preferred method of receiving information.

11. I understand the principles and practices of linguistic competency and:

• apply them within my program or agency.

• advocate for them within my program or agency.

12. I understand the implications of health literacy within the context of my roles and responsibilities.

13. I use alternative formats and varied approaches to communicate and share information with individuals and/or their family members who experience disability.

14. I avoid imposing values that may conflict or be inconsistent with those of cultures or ethnic groups other than my own.

15. I screen books, movies and other media resources for negative cultural, ethnic or racial stereotypes before sharing them with individuals and families served by my program or agency.

16. I intervene in an appropriate manner when I observe other staff or clients within my program or agency engaging in behaviors that show cultural insensitivity, racial biases and prejudice.

17. I recognize and accept that individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds may desire varying degrees of acculturation into the dominant culture.

18. I understand and accept that family is defined differently by different cultures (e.g., extended family members, fictive, kin, Godparents).

19. I accept and respect that male-female roles may vary significantly among different cultures and ethnic groups (e.g., who makes major decisions for the family).

20. I understand that age and life-cycle factors must be considered in interactions with individuals and families (e.g., high value placed on the decision of elders, the role of eldest male or female in families, or roles and expectation of children within the family).

21. Even though my professional or moral viewpoints may differ, I accept individuals and families as the ultimate decision makers for services and supports impacting their lives.

22. I recognize that the meaning or value of treatment and health education may vary greatly among cultures.

23. I accept that religion and other beliefs may influence how individuals and families respond to illnesses, disease and death.

24. I understand that the perception of health, wellness and preventive health services have different meanings to different cultural groups.

25. I recognize and understand that beliefs and concepts of emotional well-being vary significantly from culture to culture.

26. I understand that beliefs about mental illness and emotional disability are culturally- based. I accept that responses to these conditions and related treatment/interventions are heavily influenced by culture.

27. I recognize and accept that folk and religious beliefs may influence an individual's or family's reaction and approach to a child born with a disability, or later diagnosed with a disability, genetic disorder or special health care needs.

28. I understand that grief and bereavement are influenced by culture.

29. I accept and respect that customs and beliefs about food, its value, preparation, and use are different from culture to culture.

30. I seek information from individuals, families or other key community informants that will assist in service adaptation to respond to the needs and preferences of culturally and ethnically diverse groups served by my program or agency.

31. Before visiting or providing services in the home setting, I seek information on acceptable behaviors, courtesies, customs and expectations that are unique to the culturally and ethnically diverse groups served by my program or agency.

32. I keep abreast of the major health and mental health concerns and issues for ethnically and racially diverse client populations residing in the geographic locale served by my program or agency.

33. I am aware of specific health and mental health disparities and their prevalence within the communities served by my program or agency.

34. I am aware of the socioeconomic and environmental risk factors that contribute to health and mental health disparities and other major health problems of culturally, ethnically and racially diverse populations served by my program or agency.

35. I am well versed in the most current and proven practices, treatments, and interventions for the delivery of health and mental health care to specific racial, ethnic, cultural and linguistic groups within the geographic locale served by my agency or program.

36. I avail myself to professional development and training to enhance my knowledge and skills in the provision of services and supports to culturally and linguistically diverse groups.

37. I advocate for the review of my program or agency's mission statement, goals, policies and procedures to ensure that they incorporate principles and practices that promote Cultural and Linguistic Responsiveness.