Your Culture Sketch: The ADDRESSING Framework

The purpose of this activity is to increase participant awareness of the cultural influences (conscious and unconscious) affecting their cultural identity and heritage, using the nine key cultural influences that the American Psychological Association, American Counseling Association, and National Association of Social Workers have stated need extra attention: (1) age and generational influences, (2) presence of a developmental disability/disability, (3) religion and spirituality, (4) ethnic and racial identity, (5) socio-economic status, (6) sexual orientation, (7) indigenous heritage, (8) national origin, and (9) gender. The ADDRESSING framework contrasts individuals who are members of the dominant group and those who are members of the non-dominant or minority group, to show the biases built into American society. Through a series of three activities, the participants describe their current identity, reflects on what may be missing in terms of how they view themselves, and their "constellation of privileges" (those areas where they are part of the dominant group). This in turn creates awareness of areas where individuals may lack awareness and knowledge of non/dominant minority groups. While developmental disability/disability is component of this training activity, the concept of intersectionality among individuals who experience developmental disabilities nor cultural and linguistic competence are not directly addressed. Thus this resource enhances cultural awareness yet may require tailoring for specific UCEDD curricula and training activities.