An important aspect concerning the coordination and delivery of services to people with disabilities from a non-English speaking background (NESB) is the development of improved communication with NESB communities and individuals through increased contact between service providers and ethnic organisations. Improved communication should ensure that the consultation process has adequate representation from all stakeholders, including people from NESB, in the decision-making process, as well as taking steps to provide information in relation to service options available to ethnic communities.
Information strategies planned by service providers should be designed so the ethnic communities located within an agency's catchment area are targeted.
In any communication with ethnic communities it is important to note that immigrants are not an homogenous groups. That is, there are not only cultural and linguistic differences between ethnic groups, but also class and intergeneration differences between and within gfroups. Acoordingly, each ethnic group should be considered separately.
Planning
In planning an information campaign, service providers muxt consider what is to be conveyed. That is, its is important to define the type of information the agency wishes to convey. For example, does the agency want to:
Defining the aim will also define the target group. Because ethnic communities are so culturally diverse, they cannot be considered as a single target group. Therefore, different communities will have different information. Generally, people more recently arrived in Australia, e.g., refugees, require immediate information about the types of services and programs available and how they can enter them. On the other hand, individuals who have been settled in Australia for some time are more likely to require information regarding changes to existing services, including pensions and allowances.
At times, specific groups within communties will have different needs and, accordingly, will require different information on those needs. Specific groups may include: women, older people, younger people, refugees and minority groups.
It is important to note that the size of the community or groups does not necessarily relate to the need for information. On most occasions it is the minority groups within the community that are not provided with appropriate information.
The importance of trialing translated information prior to general distribution is considered a vital component of the information process. this is because failing to do so often leads to translations being distributed with inaccurate and misleading information, not to mention the waste of both time and money.
Where the proposed information or messages is being trialed by your oganisation or agency, the following ethnic organisations should be able to provide information in relations to cultural and/or religious differences for their given community group:
If problems are encountered in gaining access or in locating such organisations, Migrant Resource Centres will be able to assist.
Individuals who are in contact with ethnic community groups can usually avail themselves of information directed towards their ethnic group. Efforts should also be made to contact those from minority groups, or those who may be isolated, e.g., the isolated ethnic elderly or people with disabilities from NESBs. Such people may not be in a position to have regular contact with their own ethnic community groups, where they exist. In certain cases, however, such individuals may have regular contact with an ethno-specific Social Support Coordinator. It is recommended that any information be made available to those services. In most cases, these services can be contacted through ethno-specific welfare agencies or through some MRCs, e.g. the Inner Western Region Migrant Resource Centre.