CULTURAL COMPETENCE & DISABILITY Presented by L. Scott Lissner ADA Coordinator Ohio State University DOL National EO Training Conference August 2, 2006

Is Cross Cultural Competence adopting every cultural perspective?

CROSS-CULTURAL COMPETENCE The ability to interact and communicate effectively with individuals who do not share your ethnic background, language, or cultural referents. Applied to organizations, cross-cultural competence refers to the organization’s ability to be responsive to the unique cultural, ethnic, or linguistic characteristics of its constituency or clientele.

Definitions Of Disability Medical – Functional limitations - cure Social – Imposed by environment & norms Cultural – rooted in language & Belief

Definitions Of Disability 67 statutory definitions - 14 functional ADA/504 – Mental or physical condintion that results in a substantial limitation to one or more major life activities. –Record of & treated as

Demographics are changing as the nation becomes more diverse

PWD in millions Deviation % From N. Pop Latino Asian Native American Blacks Whites33.0 From Diversity Inc. October 2005 p % of Americans have a disability

Create A Culture Of Inclusion

Plan Ahead

Consult Local Communities

Allocate Necessary Resources