The office, materials and resources

1 2 3 I am aware of the positive impact of having posters, pictures and other materials that reflect the cultural diversity of the community we serve within the workplace.

1 2 3 I encourage the provision of reading materials, magazines and other printed information in languages other than English in waiting areas.

1 2 3 I encourage the use of information in different languages and use images that are culturally appropriate.

1 2 3 I encourage better communication with people who speak languages other than English. For example the placement of large interpreter boards in the reception area.

1 2 3 I seek information from people and other community contacts, which will assist me in adapting to the diverse needs and preferences of people.

1 2 3 I advocate for the review of my agency (ie. Mission statement, Policies and Procedures) to ensure that they incorporate principles and practices that promote cultural diversity and cultural competence.

1 2 3 I attend training sessions which enhances my cultural awareness.

1 2 3 I have well-established networks with individual workers from local ethno-specific services.

1 2 3 I work collaboratively with ethno-specific agencies in our area.

Communicating with people

1 2 3 For people who speak languages other than English, I attempt to learn basic greetings

1 2 3 I am competent and confident in determining language and in using accredited interpreters

1 2 3 When interacting with people who have limited English proficiency I always keep in mind that:

• limited English does not equate with limited intellectual functioning.
• limited English has no relation to the ability of a person to communicate in their language of origin.
• people may or may not be literate in their language of origin or English

1 2 3 When communicating in writing I ensure that all materials are written in the recipients language of origin

Values, assumptions and attitudes

1 2 3 I explore my own values, assumptions and attitudes about issues

1 2 3 I explore how my own beliefs, assumptions and attitudes and how they impact on how I work with people using the service.

1 2 3 I avoid imposing values.

1 2 3 In every situation, I discourage colleagues, service users and others from using racial and ethnic slurs by helping them understand the impact of their language can have on others.

1 2 3 I intervene in an appropriate manner when I observe other staff or service users engage in behaviours that show cultural insensitivity or prejudice.

1 2 3 I understand and accept that disability and the responses to disability are defined differently by different cultures.

1 2 3 I recognise and accept that individuals from culturally diverse backgrounds may or may not want to have anything to do with their own culture.

1 2 3 I understand and respect that factors such as gender, class, age, etc. have different significance among different cultures.

1 2 3 I understand and respect that religion and other beliefs may influence how people understand and respond to disability.