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Tuesday 9 April 2013

Minister lauds cultural diversity reforms for ageing and disability services

NSW Ageing, Disability and Home Care, 8 April 2013:

The success of cultural diversity reforms implemented by Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) continues to make a real difference in the lives of people with disability, older people, their families and carers from a culturally and linguistically diverse background across the State, Minister for Ageing and Disability Services Andrew Constance said today.

"NSW residents comprise one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in the world," Mr Constance said.

"One in four residents have one or both parents born overseas and one in five speak a language other than English at home. "

More than one in four people who require additional assistance (with core activities) speak a language other than English, and 13% have low English proficiency.

"This cultural, social and economic asset is a major consideration in our support to clients. ADHC has seen some major achievements since implementing its corporate plan for cultural diversity, Valuing and managing diversity: Cultural diversity strategic framework 2010-2013."

Success stories include establishing Vietnamese and Arabic Reference Groups in southern Sydney which has led to better discussion of future service models and better informed local planning.

"Arabic and Vietnamese communities make up a significant section of the local population in southern Sydney, and these Reference Groups have given us on-the-ground feedback to some of our agency's initiatives," Mr Constance said.

"Some of the initiatives include information sessions on disability and drop-in case management sessions conducted by Arabic and Vietnamese bilingual staff to assist them to access the supports they need.

"Another example involves the Vietnamese Reference Group identifying a need to deliver Parents as Case Coordinators workshops for parents, which has proven very beneficial for parents of people with disability in the area. This approach to community engagement and partnership will be replicated throughout the region and NSW, the Minister said.

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