1. Culture and Disability
Presented by: Traicy Robertson
Society for Manitobans with Disabilities

2. What to expect….
We will spend some time looking at what makes us who we are.
We will examine the concept of culture and how it impacts a persons view / experience of disability.
We will take a brief look at the issues faced by DHH refugee and newcomer children.

3. A closer look at culture

4. Culture
An integrated pattern of human behaviour which includes, but is not limited to:
Communication
Religion
Roles
Family
It is the ability to transmit the above to succeeding generations, it is dynamic in nature.

8. Ethno-Cultural Program
The Ethno-Cultural program works with newcomers with disabilities, whose first language is not English, and helps them navigate the health and social services systems.

10. Program Focus Refugees and Newcomers who have a disability
Adults, children and their families
Rehabilitation
Quality of life challenges

11. Our Team
8 Cultural Resource Facilitators ( AKA Cultural Brokers) with individuals from Ethno cultural Communities
Afghanistan
China
Ethiopia
Philippines
India
Somalia
Sudan
Vietnam

12. Program Goals
Persons with disabilities from ethnic communities will have equitable access to programs and services they need to maintain their independence
Service providers will be sensitive to the needs of individuals with disabilities of ethnic origin and the related needs of their communities
Ethno cultural communities will be more aware of and more understanding of the resources and services available to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities, who are members of their communities

13. Community Partners
Settlement Agency
Case Manager
Health care provider

14. Differences between the refugee and immigrant experience:
Pre-planning
Research
Survival and protection

15. Educational approaches:
Need to consider optimal age of language acquisition
Pedagogical misconceptions

16. Role of the family Misconceptions around ASL The Role of the school
The role of parents in school partnerships

17. Considerations for service providers:
Build relationships
Factor in adequate time
Family involvement and decision maker roles
“Perceived” confidentiality
Be sensitive to “indirect” communication styles

18. Discussion and Questions

19. Traicy Robertson Supervisor EthnoCultural Program SMD Phone: