Cutlural competency has been a concern in rehabilitation services due to increasingly diverse populations. Cutlural competency can be challenging due to the influence a culture can have on values, beliefs, health-related practices, interventions, and assessment bias, often leading to misdiagnosis. Occupational therapists (OTs) work with many diverse and underserved populations and often come into contact with unique cultural occupations. Navajo rug weaving is a common creative occupation on the Navajo reservation. Navajo rug weaving involves multiple steps before creating a beautiful rug. The multiple steps include repetitive gripping, pinching, reaching, pulling , and prolongued sitting. Therefore, weavers are at risk for developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), preventing individuals from participating in meaningful occupations. Occupational therapists have the skills to provide appropriate interventions through a client-centered approach. However, OTs must demonstrate and understand cultural sensitivity to address cultural occupations. This capstone will provide strategies for modeling and understanding the Navajo people, Dine, and rug weaving.
