Disability Sector lacks any requirements for Cross-Cultural training

In the Manning River Times today, a story hit me deeply. A wheelchair-bound Indigenous woman's life has been tougher in the remote Northern Territory since the National Disability Insurance Scheme started, an inquiry has heard.

She agreed her situation had deteriorated since the NDIS started and that she'd had better disability support under the previous model.

Asked whether the "government needs to understand that one size does not fit all", Ms Sherwood agreed with a nod.

She also agreed the NDIA did not understand Indigenous people and what it was like to live in a remote community.

I have linked her story and you can read the article.

https://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/story/7815746/life-tougher-under-ndis-inquiry-told/

Currently, the Disability Sector lacks any requirements for cross-cultural training. Previously being the CEO of the only Indigenous Local Area Coordinator in Australia, it was clear that people servicing the First Nation Peoples living with a disability could not connect, understand or relate to cultural differences.

Creating a Culturally safe environment is one of a range of access strategies available to support service provision to First Nations Peoples in Australia today.

To deliver Cultural Safety in an evolving and changing world it is essential that each individual in an organisation is Culturally Responsive - able to change and shift in line with emerging needs.

So what is Cultural Responsiveness in relation to delivering a Culturally Safe work environment/service?

• Recognise and respond to the historic and social issues that continue to impact First Nations Peoples.

• Understand differences between the two (2) World Views of Indigenous and non-Indigenous People.

• Enable and empower Indigenous staff and clients to share their World Views and cultural nuances that may be a barrier to effective communication.

• Have an awareness of, and respect for, the complexity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander society today.

• Support the delivery of services effectively and respectfully when working with First Nations Peoples.

• Be open-minded and flexible in their attitudes and beliefs towards first Nations Peoples.

• Appreciate the power differentials and their impact on Indigenous clients.

Find out more about Cultural Responsiveness Training and how it works to heal self and communities. http://www.kultchafi.com.au