Supporting the Cultural Context of Occupation: A Spanish-Language Guide to Sensory Integration for Families
Graduation Date
2007
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Department or Program Chair
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Thesis Advisor
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Second Advisor
Stacy Frauwirth, MS, OTR/L
Abstract
Occupational therapy is a profession dedicated to helping all individuals access to and receive healthcare services (AOTA. 2001). In recent years the United States has become more culturally diverse and Latinos are becoming one of the largest minority groups (U.S. Census Bureau. 2005). As the Latino population increases in the United States, health care professionals encountering more Latino children in their practice will need to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate materials to Latino children and their families. Providing services, such as sensory integration intervention requires occupational therapists to communicate with Latino parents in their preferred language in order to promote health and ensure the family receives optimal healthcare. The purpose of this project was to develop and provide written information on sensory integration in Spanish for parents and caregivers at Associated Learning & Language Specialists (ALLS) located in Redwood City. CA. A needs assessment was distributed to a Spanish speaking group of parents receiving services at ALLS and to the occupational therapist working at ALLS. The assessments collected indicated a need for Spanish written material about sensory integration. Therefore, a sensory integration manual for Spanish-speaking parents was created.