Accessing the disability multicultural services you need

Last updated 10 October 2022

Culture and language barriers can make it difficult to reach your full potential.

Key points

Multicultural organisations can help you feel included within your community and support you to achieve your goals
Multicultural services can offer you support with things like advocacy, organising bilingual carers and providing culturally specific resources
Depending on your State or Territory there are a number of multicultural services that can help you

People with disability from multicultural backgrounds may face a lack of information, isolation and difficulty connecting with support services.

If you are Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD), a number of organisations offer disability support and advocacy services to help you access the supports you need.

This assistance can include connecting you to and offering relevant support, advocating for CALD services, organising suitable bilingual carers and interpreters, and providing culturally and linguistically appropriate resources.

National organisations that can help

The below organisations can make sure you feel included within your community and support you to achieve your goals.

The National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA) advocates for the rights of people with disability and their families from a CALD and Non-English speaking background (NESB). The NEDA is funded by the Department of Social Services and is also the founding member of Disabled People’s Organisations Australia (DPOA). You can contact NEDA through its website or by calling 02 6262 6867 or 0407 878 933.

The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) represents Australians from CALD backgrounds all around the country. FECCA works with CALD people with disability to make sure they have access to facilities and education opportunities. It also has a Disability Advisory Committee, where disability advocates across each State and Territory share their knowledge and support. FECCA can be contacted on 02 6282 5755.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants who are culturally or linguistically diverse may need the help of translators or interpreters to access the support services highlighted in their NDIS plan. These services are available to participants and their parents or carers who don’t speak English as their first language.

Your Local Area Coordinator or Support Coordinator can help you access National Translation and Interpreter Services (TIS National). They can also help with your planning meeting, organise language supports, and link you to community opportunities to learn English.

Victoria

Action on Disability within Ethnic Communities (ADEC) is an organisation working to empower people with disability, their carers and families from NESB in Victoria. ADEC can be contacted on 03 9480 7000 or on their website.

The Victorian Multicultural Commission (VMC) has been working with the Victorian Government since 1983 to develop and deliver services to the State’s CALD community. The Commission can be contacted on 03 9651 5901 or on their website.

Western Australia

The Multicultural Services Centre of Western Australia’s Multicultural Disability Services Program provides tailored support services to people with disability, their families and carers. They can be contacted on 08 9328 2699 or at their website.

The Disability Advocacy for Diverse Communities, by Kin Advocacy, advocates for and safeguards the rights of ethnic people with disabilities and their families. This organisation can be reached on (08) 9388 7455 or through its website.

New South Wales

The Multicultural Disability Advocacy Association of New South Wales (MDAA) offers support for CALD and NESB people with disability. MDAA can be reached on 02 9891 6400 or 1800 629 072, or on the MDAA website.

Multicultural Care is funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Health and is a registered NDIS service provider. For over 20 years, Multicultural Care has delivered person-centred, culturally tailored in-home care for people across the Inner West, South West and South East of Sydney. They can be contacted on (02) 9718 6199 or through their website.

Ethnic Community Services Co-operative (ECSC) was one of the first organisations in New South Wales to support and advocate for CALD people with disability. They have worked with individuals, families, communities and services for over 40 years. ECSC can be contacted on (02) 9569 1288 or on their website.

South Australia

The Multicultural Communities Council of SA empowers and advocates for CALD communities in South Australia. To contact them visit their website or call 08 8345 5266.

Multicultural SA is a department that works alongside the South Australian Government on all multicultural matters within the State. They provide personal and family support through disability advocacy and CALD carer support. To contact Multicultural SA visit their website or call 08 8429 7305.

Tasmania

The Tasmanian Government’s Multicultural Access Point has a whole list of contacts for health, wellbeing and community support organisations, dedicated to the needs of people from diverse backgrounds. They can be contacted on their website.

The Multicultural Council of Tasmania advocate for and support a diverse multicultural community. The Council can be reached on 03 6170 9196 or on their website.

Queensland

Information is available to download on the Queensland Government’s Department of Communities, Disability Services and Seniors website specifically relating to organisational planning, capacity, engagement and participation of CALD people with disability and the NDIS. The Department can be contacted on 13 36 77 or through the Government website.

Australian Capital Territory

The Australian Capital Territory’s Government Community Services Directorate handles a range of issues, including multicultural matters, family support services, disability policy and services and therapy services. To contact the directorate, visit its website.

Community Options is a not-for-profit community-based organisation helping people living in ACT with disabilities for over 25 years. They offer support and help coordinate services for CALD people with disability. Community Options can be contacted on (02) 6295 8800 or on their website.

Northern Territory

People living in the Top End of Northern Territory can be advocated for and supported by the Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory (MCNT). The community-based non-profit organisation was established in 1977 to provide direct support and allow CALD people to enjoy full participation in the Territory community. The council can be contacted on their website or by calling 08 8945 9122.

Do you require extra assistance to overcome culture and language barriers to access supports? Tell us in the comments below.