Published Tuesday, 04 December, 2007 at 02:00 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Service Commitment for People with a Disability from Culturally Diverse Backgrounds
The Queensland Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the lives of people with a disability who come from non-English speaking backgrounds.
Disability Services Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said people from a non-English speaking background who had a disability often faced numerous disadvantages when trying to enjoy the same privileges as the broader community.
“They are not only subject to misunderstanding, because of their disability, but can also experience isolation due to language differences” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Consequently, people are often isolated and unaware of the supports and services that may be available to them.”
“We must all make a greater effort to encourage participation of people with a disability, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.”
Ms Nelson-Carr was speaking at the launch of a position paper, Language and Culture Matter: Remove the Barriers Now, prepared by community-based social advocacy organisation AMPARO.
Disability Services Queensland has committed funding of $480,933 over three years to AMPARO to provide individual advocacy to people with a disability who are from a cultural and linguistically diverse background.
“This important position paper highlights the needs and issues of people with a disability from non-English speaking backgrounds,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The extensive findings and recommendations on how programs and services can be improved are consistent with the directions of DSQ’s Multicultural Action Plan.”
DSQ’s Multicultural Action Plan focuses on developing the knowledge and approach to providing services, improving the department’s communication and community engagement mechanisms and developing the cultural competencies of DSQ staff.
Ms Nelson-Carr also encouraged people with a disability to take advantage of the interpretation and translation services available.
“DSQ’s new single application form for support has the list of translation services on page 2. I encourage anyone who needs assistance in another language to utilise these services.
“I congratulate AMPARO on the advice the paper provides for policy makers and program developers in both government and non-government agencies,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
Media contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280
Disability Services Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said people from a non-English speaking background who had a disability often faced numerous disadvantages when trying to enjoy the same privileges as the broader community.
“They are not only subject to misunderstanding, because of their disability, but can also experience isolation due to language differences” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Consequently, people are often isolated and unaware of the supports and services that may be available to them.”
“We must all make a greater effort to encourage participation of people with a disability, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.”
Ms Nelson-Carr was speaking at the launch of a position paper, Language and Culture Matter: Remove the Barriers Now, prepared by community-based social advocacy organisation AMPARO.
Disability Services Queensland has committed funding of $480,933 over three years to AMPARO to provide individual advocacy to people with a disability who are from a cultural and linguistically diverse background.
“This important position paper highlights the needs and issues of people with a disability from non-English speaking backgrounds,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“The extensive findings and recommendations on how programs and services can be improved are consistent with the directions of DSQ’s Multicultural Action Plan.”
DSQ’s Multicultural Action Plan focuses on developing the knowledge and approach to providing services, improving the department’s communication and community engagement mechanisms and developing the cultural competencies of DSQ staff.
Ms Nelson-Carr also encouraged people with a disability to take advantage of the interpretation and translation services available.
“DSQ’s new single application form for support has the list of translation services on page 2. I encourage anyone who needs assistance in another language to utilise these services.
“I congratulate AMPARO on the advice the paper provides for policy makers and program developers in both government and non-government agencies,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
Media contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280