Look for the Signs: Occupational Therapists’ Experiences with Deaf Culture

While research suggests that the Deaf cultural and linguistic identities are often undervalued in healthcare settings (Lezzoni, O’Day, Killeen, & Harker, 2004), there is a lack of research exploring interactions between occupational therapy practitioners and culturally Deaf individuals. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of occupational therapy practitioners who have provided services to a Deaf client. Four practitioners were recruited to participate in qualitative interviews. The inclusion criteria were that within the last year, the practitioner had provided direct services to a Deaf client who primarily communicated via American Sign Language (ASL). Interpretive phenomological methods were used to analyze the transcribed interview data for themes. The first theme to emerge reflected on the therapists’ experiences with cross-cultural communication. A second theme explored cultural etiquette, including the value of maintaining eye contact. A third theme was cultural perceptions and practice considerations for the participants, encompassing perceived impacts of particular deficits on this population. The fourth theme that emerged was striving for cultural knowledge with the intention of improving cultural sensitivity and overall quality of care. The experiences included in this study offered the potential for improving the cultural relevance of services for members of the Deaf community. This may improve the effectiveness of occupational therapy services, including strengthened rapport, improved ability to communicate, and better therapy outcomes. By understanding the impact of cultural considerations on practice for the Deaf community, practitioners might be more sensitized to the needs of other cultural groups

At the Mercy of the Prisoner Next Door. Using an Experimental Measure of Selfishness as a Criminological Tool

Do criminals maximise money? Are criminals more or less selfish than the average subject? Can prisons apply measures that reduce the degree of selfishness of their inmates? Using a tried and tested tool from experimental economics, we cast new light on these old criminological questions. In a standard dictator game, prisoners give a substantial amount, which calls for more refined versions of utility in rational choice theories of crime. Prisoners do not give less than average subjects, not even than subjects from other closely knit communities. This speaks against the idea that people commit crimes because they are excessively selfish. Finally those who receive better marks at prison school give more, as do those who improve their marks over time. This suggests that this correctional intervention also reduces selfishness.experiment, Crime, Prison, Dictator Game, Hurdle Model

Analysis of First-Time Completion in the Field Service Environment

First-time completion is an important measure of service quality and efficiency in the field service industry. Customers call upon field service providers to repair their equipment in a timely manner so it can be put back into service for their business demands. Responsiveness can be measured through first-time completion and is defined as completing the repair on the first visit of a service call. This research is exploring the first-time completion in the forklift service industry. This research found the primary factors that impact first-time completion percentage in this industry include parts on hand, parts backorder process, technician experience, and anticipating service demands

Third Annual Families and Neighborhoods Network Update

Welcome to the Third Annual Families and Neighborhoods Network Update. In this edition, which focuses on Family Development, you'll find plenty of relevant, interesting news, as well as diversity and spirituality in the context of family development.As always, we strive to provide information and resources regarding human service efforts that support families and neighborhoods. The selection of information and articles for this issue of the Network Update was based on issues raised by the seven Comprehensive Community-BasedModels (CCBMs).Among the highlights of this issue is an article by Dr. Susan Stern and Cassandra Clay, professors at Boston University School of Social Work. In their article, titled "Supporting Children and Families in a Caring Community," they challenge our thinking about family development, while guiding practitioners, policymakers, fund providers, and grassroots community-based organizations into the next century.Also in this issue, you'll find two annotated bibliographies that explore community-based, family centered strategies for integrating education and human services. These bibliographies also present practical ways to design policies that reflect the importance of the family in the development of children and society. As an additional resource, you'll also find a directory of federally-funded resource centers and clearinghouses that compile information on child andfamily welfare, health, and education issues.This issue of the Network Update also offers a personal glimpse of the seven W.K. Kellogg Foundation-funded family development sites. Each of the sites was asked to share its definition of family development, and to specify how that definition translates into services or opportunities for families. Staff members at the seven sites also were asked to discuss their philosophies about family development and how that philosophy differs from a mainstream view. Their thought provoking answers are just a few pages away