Author ORCID Identifier
0009-0002-0730-0543
Document Type
Capstone
Publication Date
2026
Keywords
cultural humility, occupational therapy education, Hispanic populations, culturally responsive care, occupational therapy students, curriculum development
Department
<--Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences-->
Abstract
As the United States becomes increasingly culturally diverse, occupational therapy practitioners must be prepared to provide culturally responsive, client-centered care to individuals and families from diverse backgrounds. This doctoral capstone addressed an identified gap in occupational therapy education related to students’ preparedness to work with Hispanic/Latino populations through the development and dissemination of educational resources grounded in cultural humility. Guided by Agner’s Cultural Humility Framework, the project emphasized lifelong self-reflection, recognition of personal biases, collaboration, and openness to clients’ lived experiences rather than mastery of cultural knowledge. A mixed-methods approach was utilized, incorporating a literature review, needs assessment, faculty consultation, stakeholder feedback, and an anonymous electronic survey of 30 entry-level occupational therapy doctoral students. Survey findings demonstrated limited curricular exposure to Hispanic-specific content, with 21 of 30 participants reporting that they probably or definitely had not completed a Hispanic/Latino-focused course and 16 of 30 reporting that Hispanic cultural content appeared “not much” or “not at all” within their coursework. Participants also identified a need for practical learning opportunities, including culturally representative case studies, clinical simulations, interpreter training, guest speakers, and community engagement. Findings informed the development of a five-chapter evidence-based educational guidebook incorporating reflective activities, clinical scenarios, culturally responsive case studies, practical strategies, and recommendations for occupational therapy educators. The guidebook and project findings were subsequently disseminated to occupational therapy students and faculty, who provided positive feedback regarding the relevance, practicality, and potential curricular application of the resources. Overall, the project supports the intentional integration of cultural humility, experiential learning, and reflective practice throughout occupational therapy education to better prepare future practitioners to provide equitable, culturally responsive, and occupation-centered care to Hispanic populations.
Recommended Citation
Ramirez, Abraham, "Preparing Future Occupational Therapy Practitioners to Provide Culturally Responsive Care for Hispanic Populations" (2026). Occupational Therapy Student Scholarship. 6.
https://orb.binghamton.edu/occupational_therapy_students/6
Comments
Link to Guidebook