Assignment Instructions
OVERCOMING EXCLUSION
Preparation
Complete the Conflicting Visions media activity.
Instructions
In light of the scenario in the Conflicting Visions media activity, respond to the following in a 5–6 page paper:
How will your beliefs impact you as a human services professional in this situation?
Analyze your own beliefs about culture, diversity, and inclusion in regard to this scenario.
How do you feel about same-sex couples and have your feelings changed over time?
How do you think families should treat members of the family with whom they disagree?
What is the role of religion when it comes to family relationships?
As you work with this deeply religious family, what would culturally competent, inclusive practice and decision-making look like?
Analyze how your own beliefs and those of the family would be reflected in culturally competent, inclusive practice.
Analyze how religious and cultural beliefs might affect Karl’s functioning and clinical presentation.
How might you expect Karl to behave in a session with his family?
What sorts of feelings might Karl have and how might these be related to his own religious and cultural beliefs?
In the first session, Karl’s parents insist that he cannot marry someone of the same sex. Describe a plan of action you would propose to help this family resolve this crisis in a way that might salvage the family relationships?
Assignment Requirements
Length: 5–6 pages in addition to the cover page and reference page.
Contents: Include a cover page, an abstract, page numbers, and a running head.
Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12-point, and double-spaced.
References: Cite at least 5–6 references from peer-reviewed journals published within the last 5–7 years, in addition to your textbook.
APA: Use current APA style and formatting for the entire paper and for citations and references. Evidence and APA can help with that.
The Situation
As a human services professional, you are very likely to encounter situations where your beliefs about diversity and inclusion are challenged. You’ll have to think on your feet so that your practice is inclusive and culturally competent even when you encounter clients who have a different background or values from you.
In this activity, you’ll learn about a client and his family. In the face of the challenges they might pose to your values or beliefs, you’ll also consider how to treat them in a culturally competent and inclusive way.
Meet Jordan and Karl
They’ve been dating for about two years and they’re ready to take their relationship to the next level: Wedding vows.
Jordan’s family is beyond excited! Listen to the conversation between Jordan’s mom and dad below, then continue to the next section.
Elana: We love Karl! He’s such a sweet fella, and we just can’t wait for him and our son to tie the knot.
Nicholas: That Karl is a good one. And he’s good to our Jordan.
But there are some complications–Karl’s parents aren’t happy at all. Patty: Well, I guess they can do what they want. But we believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. Some things don’t change, and the Bible is very clear on that.
Bruce: I hope my boy can get himself turned around. Otherwise, he’s on a fast track to hell. And no, we’re not going to the “wedding.” It’s an abomination. Until he abandons it, he’s not welcome here.
Joan: Poor Karl. I love him so, and he deserves to be happy. He’s my sweetest nephew! He can’t wait to marry Jordan, but he’s so unhappy now. He wants his parents to be there and he’s just miserable that they probably won’t. I convinced Bruce and Patty to go to a counselor with Karl, but I don’t know if it will help. It’s time for your first session with Karl and his parents.
SECTION 4/6
Ambiguous avatar
Dinah Nelson
Thank you for coming in today. Bruce, Patty, Karl, it’s nice to meet all of you. Now, I see from your informed consent that you all are here to talk about some family issues that have come up around Jordan and Karl’s impending marriage. Bruce: Are you a Christian counselor?
Patty: We need to know this. We need a counselor who understands our beliefs and why this farce of a marriage CANNOT happen! How should you respond?
SECTION 5/6
Ambiguous avatar
Dinah Nelson
Karl, how are you feeling, hearing this from your parents?
Karl: I just want to share one of the best experiences of my life with my parents. I love them dearly and I can’t imagine getting married without them there. Conclusion
Now what? As a clinician, you face a difficult situation. The end goal is to salvage their relationships, but there are many aspects of this family that need to be addressed.
Chapter 17, “Overcoming Exclusion,” pages 364–383.
This chapter explains how the aged are a social minority; examines the experiences of people with disabilities; and reviews the issues with equality faced by LGBTQ individuals.
Aging and Ageism
Use the Capella University Library to read the following:
Katz, R. E. (2021). The aging of America requires personal, cultural and policy changes. Health Progress, 102(1), 37–41, 37A.
The author explores the predictors of healthy aging and the changes needed in social and political environments to accommodate an aging population.
Knudson, A., & Meit, M. (2017). Rural America: Aging faster, with fewer resources. Aging Today, 38(5), 7–10.
This article analyzes the gaps between rural and urban America in terms of aging populations and the resources available to care for the aged.
Rosales, A., & Fernández-Ardèvol, M. (2020). Ageism in the era of digital platforms. Convergence, 26(5-6), 1074–1087.
The authors examine the ways digital platforms discriminate against older users.
Seniors report experiencing ‘everyday ageism.’ (2020). Journal of Business, 35(16), 27.
Ageism is one of the most tolerated forms of prejudice and discrimination in American society. This article addresses the issue.
People with Disabilities
Use the Capella University Library to read the following:
Abrams, A. (2020). 30 years after a landmark disability law, the fight continues. Time Magazine, 196(5/6), 30–31.
This article addresses the continuous fight for the rights of disabled people in the United States.
Barkoff, A., & Read, E. B. (2017). Employment of people with disabilities: Recent successes and an uncertain future. Human Rights, 42(4), 8–11.
Learn about the continued struggle for employment faced by people with disabilities.
Blackwell, A. G. (2017, Winter). The curb-cut effect. Stanford Social Innovation Review, 15, 28–33.
This article shows how when the nation targets support to allow those who have been left behind to participate and contribute, everyone benefits.
Stollznow, K. (2021). “What’s wrong with you?” Psychology Today, 54(6), 24–25.
The author discusses how people with disabilities can effectively address the forced intimacy caused by abled people asking inappropriate questions. Other forms of social prejudice faced by disabled people are also addressed.
Waldman, H. B., Rader, R., & Perlman, S. P. (2021). Differences between women and men with disabilities. The Exceptional Parent (Online), 51, 10–12.
This article addresses the disproportionate obstacles faced by women with disabilities as compared to those faced by abled women and disabled men.
LGBTQ People
Use the Capella University Library to read the following:
Clark, M. (2021). Public accessibility for transgender populations. Parks & Recreation, 56(11), 24–25.
Public recreation-based facilities have not adequately addressed the needs of transgender populations. This article suggests ways those needs might be better met.
LGBTQ equality in the states: Only 27 states have antidiscrimination laws for sexual orientation. (2021). Congressional Digest, 100(8), 4–5.
This article reports on accomplishments in advancing antidiscrimination laws for sexual orientation in U.S. states to promote lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) equality.
Steinmetz, K. (2019). Why don’t U.S. laws explicitly ban discrimination against LGBT people? Time Magazine, 193(14), 14.
This article discusses why U. S. federal laws don’t ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in a similar fashion to discrimination based on sex, race and religion. It also examines Democratic legislators’ efforts to pass the Equality Act of 2019.
Steven, R. J. (2018). How one medical school is addressing LGBT healthcare disparities. Modern Healthcare, 48(6), 16.
The author examines Louisville’s medical school program to address the healthcare needs of LGBTQ people, a community that experiences a large healthcare disparity.
Swiatek, D., & Jewell, V. (2018). LGBT seniors: Including the invisible population. OT Practice, 23(6), 16–19.
Because of negative past experiences and a history of discrimination, LGBTQ older adults may be reluctant to identify their sexual orientation when accessing needed health care. This may lead to providers overlooking important health care needs. This article explores ways to overcome this barrier to better health outcomes.
The supreme court’s Bostock decision: A landmark ruling could change civil rights law for LGBTQ people. (2021). Congressional Digest, 100(8), 6–9.
The article reports on how the ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case Bostock v. Clayton County could affect civil rights laws for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people. In this ruling the Court held by a 6-3 vote that Title VII’s prohibition of discrimination “because of…sex” bars discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
