Tina Taylor-Ritzler

Cultural competence: Development of a conceptual framework

Purpose. To describe the development of a conceptual framework for cultural competence that could help and guide the training of rehabilitation practitioners, students and researchers. Method. A systematic review of the literature yielded 259 usable documents that were further reviewed by two independent readers to identify 32 publications that described cultural competence conceptual models. Results. After eliminating redundancy, 18 unique cultural competence models were identified. A synthesis model was first developed which included four components. After an empirical validation of the model, a new model with only three components emerged. Conclusion. The empirically validated conceptual framework is a promising tool for training and evaluation of cultural competence.

Understanding and Measuring Evaluation Capacity: A Model and Instrument Validation Study.

This study describes the development and validation of the Evaluation Capacity Assessment Instrument (ECAI), a measure designed to assess evaluation capacity among staff of nonprofit organizations that is based on a synthesis model of evaluation capacity. One hundred and sixty-nine staff of nonprofit organizations completed the ECAI. The 68-item measure assessed participants’ perceptions of individual and organizational predictors of two evaluation capacity outcomes: mainstreaming and use of evaluation findings. Confirmatory Factor Analysis and internal consistency results support the inclusion of the items and factors measured by the ECAI. Moreover, structural equation modeling results support the synthesis model and its depiction of relationships among evaluation capacity predictors and outcomes. We discuss the implications of using a validated model and instrument in evaluation capacity building research and practice.

Using the Internet to Conduct Research With Culturally Diverse Populations: Challenges and Opportunities

People from around the globe rely on the Internet for daily use in a variety of ways from downloading information and staying connected with friends and family to collecting data for research purposes. Although the authors have seen rapid growth in access to the Internet among multicultural populations, some groups are still far behind. In particular, those with most limited access include non-English-speakers and low-income and working-class individuals in general. This paper discusses the use of the Internet as a research tool with culturally diverse populations with a focus on two specific purposes: The Internet as a tool to collect information about participants (e.g., survey research, qualitative and descriptive research, and needs assessment); and the Internet as an intervention tool in itself (e.g., intervention research and participatory research). The authors will discuss issues and challenges of using the Internet as a research tool and provide recommendations for using the Internet with culturally diverse populations in a culturally competent manner.

A Catalyst-for-Change Approach to Evaluation Capacity Building

Evaluation capacity building (ECB) has become a popular approach for helping community-based organizations (CBOs) to meet their funders’ demands for accountability. This case study reports the ECB process with one staff member using a catalyst-for-change approach. The authors analyzed the role of the catalyst in diffusing evaluation knowledge and skills and in promoting evaluation mainstreaming and use within the CBO; and the outcomes achieved as a result of the catalyst’s role in the process of building evaluation capacity. Implications based on the study findings are discussed.

Improving the Transition Outcomes of Low-Income Minority Youth with Disabilities

This study describes the results of a program developed to improve the transition outcomes of low-income minority youth with disabilities. The program relies on case management support to facilitate interagency collaboration. The participants included 164 graduates from special education and 26 youth from an equivalent comparison group. Two case managers were responsible for providing support to intervention participants. Results indicate that 82% of the intervention participants enrolled in postsecondary education programs compared to only 50% in the comparison group. In addition, 74% of the intervention youth secured employment compared to 23% in the comparison group. Case managers provided 10 main support functions in three areas: job, college, and family/community. Critical functions included assistance with goal setting, transportation, job/college applications, referrals, emotional support, and family mediation. We discuss the implications of the intervention for transition research and practice with minority youth with disabilities.

Engaging ethnically diverse individuals with disabilities in the Vocational Rehabilitation system: Themes of empowerment and oppression

The current study was conducted to identify challenges in engaging consumers with disabilities from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and effective strategies to overcome these challenges in the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) system. Twenty one VR counselors from a large Midwestern state were nominated by their supervisors to participate in semi-structured qualitative interviews because of exemplary work over more than five years. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and subjected to qualitative analysis. Counselors identified the following challenges for some of their multicultural consumers: (1) lack of knowledge about their responsibilities and role within the VR system; (2) lack of a vision and plan for their future success; and (3) lack of a sense of efficacy about their ability to be successful. These challenges are related to experiences of oppression. Effective strategies were related to processes of empowerment within the context of the therapeutic relationship. Study findings have implications for the VR system related to providing support and training to VR counselors and VR counseling students on how to work effectively with consumers with disabilities from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Perspectives of Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors on the Factors Related to Employment Outcomes of Racial and Ethnic Minorities With Disabilities

This study identified effective strategies to promote employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities (consumers) from diverse cultural backgrounds. Twenty-one vocational rehabilitation counselors participated in semistructured interviews. Data revealed 5 major themes: (a) implementing an empowerment approach to case management; (b) establishing successful counseling relationships; (c) providing supports to help consumers adjust to or cope with their disability; (d) supporting consumers in obtaining and maintaining employment; and (e) assisting employers in understanding disability issues. These themes are applicable for the social work profession as well.

Demonstrating the Effectiveness of an Integrated and Intensive Research Methods and Statistics Course Sequence

We developed a two-semester series of intensive (six-contact hours per week) behavioral research methods courses with an integrated statistics curriculum. Our approach includes the use of team-based learning, authentic projects, and Excel and SPSS. We assessed the effectiveness of our approach by examining our students’ content area scores on the area concentration achievement test (ACAT) for psychology students. On average, our students scored significantly higher on the ACAT experimental methods and statistics content areas than the national norm. This intensive approach to teaching behavioral research methods and statistics is effective.