NDIA embracing cultural and linguistic diversity

The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) today released its strategy to ensure people with disability from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds can access the world leading National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

The Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Strategy 2018 (the Strategy) is the NDIA’s public statement of commitment to working alongside people with disability from CALD backgrounds to achieve access to, and outcomes from, their NDIS Plan on an equal basis with the broader population.

The Strategy sets priority areas for action focussed on building connections and positive relationships with CALD communities, broadening choice and control, and increasing cultural competency within the NDIA and its Partners.

People with disability from CALD backgrounds and key peak body organisations have extensively been involved in the development of the strategy.

The NDIA recognises that people with disability from a CALD background can face additional challenges in terms of inclusion in their communities, and this extends to their ability to access the NDIS and supports.

More than a quarter of Australians (26 per cent) were born overseas, and of these, two thirds were born in non-English speaking countries. Historically, Australians from culturally diverse backgrounds have been underrepresented in the disability sector.

Over time, the Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Strategy will drive increased participation in the NDIS by people from culturally diverse backgrounds through making information about the Scheme more accessible, and increasing the capacity of providers to service CALD communities.

Alongside the Strategy, the NDIA has also committed to reviewing the NDIS participant pathway for people with disability from CALD backgrounds, to ensure effective engagement and delivery of the NDIS through all stages of the pathway.

Read the full CALD Strategy also available in Easy English.