From: Culturally competent communication in Indigenous disability assessment: a qualitative study
Element of culturally competent communication | Recommended strategies to promote culturally competent communication in disability assessment |
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A supported approach to introducing unfamiliar staff members to individuals with disability | ● Full implementation of the NDIA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Strategy ● Build on engagement at higher institutional levels to support engagement with communities, families and individuals ● Extensive and intensive local engagement with the broader community, community leaders and the Aboriginal community-controlled health sector ● Gradual introduction of unfamiliar staff members ● Adequate and appropriate cultural competence training for staff members systematically provided |
Initial introduction is facilitated by people the individual has a trusted relationship with | ● Engagement is supported and facilitated by existing providers ● Funding and support for Community Connectors to function as language and cultural ‘brokers’ |
Appropriate communication undertaken during planning meetings | ● Interpreter support for individuals and families that do not have English as a first language ● Use of interpreters that adheres to cultural needs and norms, such as kinship and cultural relationships ● Protocols are established to enable the participation of existing providers in assessment processes while managing potential conflicts of interest ● Families are provided with sufficient explanation and context to be able to meaningfully participate ● Use of cultural practices such as storytelling in assessment and planning meetings ● Individuals’ needs situated within their cultural context and roles ● Communication resources that are place-based and culturally safe developed through co-design |