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Table 2 Elements of culturally competent communication in Indigenous disability assessment and recommended strategies

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

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