Chapter 11 Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers

Transcription

1 The Disability Support Worker Chapter 11 Work effectively with culturally diverse clients and co-workers

2 Cultural awareness in work practice Culture refers to the values, attitudes, prevailing ideas and myths, passed by generations of people Culture presents particular sensitivities that you need to take into account in working effectively with clients and their families and co-workers

3 Work practices The services that you provide should be based on work practices which consider the cultural background of clients in terms of the support which is provided. The work place practices relates to examples which include: Working with clients of diverse gender, sexuality and age Collection and provision of information on cultural background Communication strategies that are used with clients, carers and their families and How personal and other support is provided

4 Work practices As a disability worker you should consider the following strategies in ensuring your understanding of cultural differences in the services that you provide: Learning about other cultures and show respect for the differences Focusing and listening to the narratives Valuing and celebrating contributions made by different cultures Avoiding negative comments or to use stereotypes Showing awareness of international and national and state government policies and Demonstrating Cultural Competence

5 Cultural Competence Skills and knowledge should be based around areas including: Valuing cultural diversity with clients and co-workers Being able to self assess your own cultural attributes Being aware of the dynamics when different cultures interact Having a knowledge of different cultures Able to adapt service delivery to reflect your understanding of different cultures

6 Transcultural strategies of care The client is there to receive appropriate support from the organisation Every client is different and has their own view of what is happening around them Aim of the disability worker is to identify what is different in order to optimise the best outcomes for people Identification of 'what is different' will mean that the disability worker should aim to identify the specific cultural background of the individual Identification of cultural differences will mean that the disability worker may need to adjust their approach

7 Accepting cultural diversity as a basis for Disability Work Cultural information considered in Individualised support plans Sharing cultural knowledge amongst colleagues Build cultural diversity into formal learning and qualifications

8 Specific strategies to eliminate bias and discrimination Show respect for the cultural background of clients, family, other workers and customers Develop and maintain effective relationships, mutual trust and confidence Break down any barriers by eliminating overt and covert bias and discrimination which may exist in the workplace

9 Specific strategies to eliminate bias and discrimination May also include: Involvement in cross cultural work teams Cross cultural employee representation on committees Contributing to a workplace free of culturally insensitive literature, posters, signage Inclusion in decision-making on cultural events and occasions with respect for the cultural diversity of co-workers, colleagues and clients

10 Communicate effectively with culturally diverse persons Should be shown to all people which include the clients, the client's family, friends and co-workers and colleagues People from different cultures may communicate differently and have different cultural traditions This must be respected and not form the basis of judgments in terms of our own culture

11 Language barriers You should attempt to communicate by: Speaking slowly with careful enunciation of the words being used Using short as opposed to complex sentences Pausing to check for understanding and to obtain a response Rephrasing your words Appropriate gestures and facial and physical expressions to support meaning asking simple questions With clients who have complex communication difficulties use the suggested augmentative and/or alternative communication

12 Resolving cross-cultural misunderstandings You should: Identify issues that may cause conflict If difficulties or misunderstandings occur, consider the impact of cultural differences Make an effort to sensitively resolve differences, taking account of cultural considerations Address any difficulties with appropriate people and seek assistance when required

13 Resolving cross-cultural misunderstandings 1. Define the problem (Identify issues that may cause conflict) 2. Examine the cultural interpretation (consider the impact of cultural differences) 3. Resolve the Conflict (Address any difficulties with appropriate people and seek assistance when required)

14 Perceptions of disability in different cultures Perceptions of disability have varied considerably throughout history even within the one culture. Cultures are subject to dynamic change and this makes it difficult to provide definitive statements on consistent explanations and responses to disability within various cultures Consult the following website: