The role of Family and Friends in supporting CALD Individuals with disabilities in accessing the NDIS
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government-funded program designed to provide support to people with disabilities in Australia. While the NDIS has been designed to be a comprehensive support system, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds with disabilities can face a number of challenges when accessing it. Family and friends can play an important role in supporting these individuals in accessing the NDIS and overcoming the challenges they may face.
The Importance of Family and Friends in Supporting CALD Individuals with Disabilities
Family and friends can provide vital support and assistance to CALD individuals with disabilities, especially when it comes to accessing the NDIS. These individuals may require help navigating the complex NDIS processes and requirements, and family and friends can provide this support. For example, family members and friends may be able to help CALD individuals with disabilities with filling out forms, communicating with NDIS service providers, and attending NDIS planning meetings.
In addition, family and friends can also provide emotional support and encouragement to CALD individuals with disabilities as they navigate the NDIS. The NDIS process can be overwhelming and confusing, and having a support system can help reduce stress and anxiety. Family and friends can also provide CALD individuals with disabilities with a sense of belonging and a connection to their cultural community, which can help to improve their mental and emotional wellbeing.
The Role of Family and Friends in Overcoming Challenges
Despite the support that family and friends can provide, CALD individuals with disabilities can still face a number of challenges when accessing the NDIS. Some of these challenges include:
- Language barriers: Many CALD individuals with disabilities may not be fluent in English, which can make it difficult for them to understand and navigate the NDIS processes. Family and friends can help to overcome this challenge by providing translation services, interpreting NDIS information, and assisting with the completion of forms.
Â
- Lack of awareness and understanding of the NDIS: Some CALD individuals with disabilities may not be familiar with the NDIS, its processes, and the support it provides. Family and friends can help to educate and raise awareness about the NDIS, and provide information about how to access it.
Â
- Difficulty navigating the NDIS processes: The NDIS processes can be complex and confusing, especially for those who are unfamiliar with it. Family and friends can help CALD individuals with disabilities to understand the processes and requirements, and assist them with the completion of forms and attendance of planning meetings.
Â
- Lack of support from the community: CALD individuals with disabilities may not have access to support from their community, which can make it difficult for them to access the NDIS. Family and friends can help to connect CALD individuals with disabilities with their cultural community, and provide support and encouragement as they navigate the NDIS processes.
The Benefits of Family and Friends Supporting CALD Individuals with Disabilities in Accessing NDIS
Having family and friends support CALD individuals with disabilities in accessing the NDIS can have a number of benefits, including:
- Improved access to NDIS support: Family and friends can help CALD individuals with disabilities to overcome the challenges they may face when accessing the NDIS, and increase their chances of receiving the support they need.
- Improved quality of life: By accessing the NDIS, CALD individuals with disabilities can receive the support they need to live their lives to the fullest, which can have a positive impact on their mental and emotional wellbeing, and overall quality of life.
- Increased independence: With the support of the NDIS, CALD individuals with disabilities can gain greater independence and control over their lives
How Maple Community Services is leading the way with CALD Clients.
Cultural and linguistic barriers are a major challenge for CALD individuals with disabilities in accessing NDIS support. Despite efforts by the NDIS to address these barriers, there is a need for ongoing efforts to improve access to support and services for CALD individuals with disabilities. Maple works tirelessly day in and out to ensure ours supports and services are accessible to the who community. This includes the development of culturally and linguistically support networks, having a diverse group of management staff from all walks of life, and ensuring that staff are culturally and linguistically aware and have the necessary skills and training to support CALD individuals with disabilities.