Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities

The Australian Migrant Resource Centre (AMRC) is a registered NDIS service provider for children and adults with disabilities. AMRCC provide services to those with diverse cultural needs from non-English speaking backgrounds and have qualified and experienced bilingual staff from over 50 language groups.

The Multicultural Communities Council of South Australia (MCCSA) is the peak body, representing multicultural communities in South Australia and supports and advocates for all people from CALD backgrounds to realise their potential as active contributors to the economic, social and cultural life of South Australia. The MCCSA supports communities and members through strong collaborative leadership, advocacy and resources. MCCSA advocates on behalf of CALD people with disability, their families and carers in South Australia, as well as on a national level through its affiliate, the Federation of Ethnic Communities Council (FECCA).

MCCSA useful resources

• Disability and NDIS Resource Kit (MCCSA)
• NDIS Community Connector Program - Supporting CALD community members with disability
• Speak My Language - CALD and Indigenous communities talking about living well with a disability in Australia
• Cultural Connections in Disability - peer support, capacity-building and empowerment

The MCCSA Resource Kit has information on the following subject matters:

• In Language Resources about Disability and the NDIS
• Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI)
• Mental Health and Psychosocial Disability
• Disability Advocacy Services
• NDIS and Disability Glossary (for interpreters, providers and consumers)
• Disability Self-Advocacy
• Disability in CALD Communities – Resources and Publications
• Working with CALD Communities (Tools and Resources).

Resources to support engaging cultural communities

• Interpreting and Translating Centre
• National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA)
• Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Strategy (NDIS)
• Engaging CALD communities in the NDIS (Anglicare) PDF 1.18MB
• The Right Track webinar series and toolkit for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples working with the NDIS (City of Playford)

The NDIA Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Strategy

The NDIA Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Strategy 2018 (PDF 691 KB) sets priority areas for action focussed on building connections and positive relationships with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities, broadening choice and control, and increasing cultural competency within the NDIA and its Partners.

In July 2021, the NDIA released a progress update on the Cultural and Linguistic Diversity Strategy. The update details progress against the priorities identified in the Strategy and actions to further drive the implementation of the Strategy over the next 18 months.

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.

For further information about cultural and linguistic diversity please visit the NDIS website.