Cultural Connections in Disability - Engage | Empower | Inclusion

young man in wheelchair hosting a panel discussion at an event

Engaging, Empowering and Including People Living with Disability in the Community

‘Cultural Connections in Disability’ helped multicultural communities become more accessible, inclusive and supportive for people living with disability and their families/carers. The project was co-designed and co-facilitated with Peer Leaders with lived experience of disability. It was delivered by a consortium group of Community Partners, with the support and mentorship of Peer Leaders.

Cultural Connections in Disability was funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services via the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) Framework.


What we did

  • Trained Community Connectors to support, connect, empower and include people with disability in their communities
  • Developed and delivered culturally sensitive and accessible activities and resources for CALD people with disability
  • Linked people to relevant services and supports
  • Increased skills and confidence for community participation
  • Reduced barriers for inclusion, including shame and stigma around disability
  • Created a toolkit of Disability Inclusion videos and resources

Our activities and resources:

  • Reinforced the right to lead a good life
  • Enhanced understanding of available supports and services
  • Assisted in achieving personal goals
  • Built capacity and confidence to overcome stigma and social isolation

2 men standing smiling in front of 2 MCCSA banners that say Speak my Language and Cultural Connections in Disability

Community Partners

Cultural Connections was led by MCCSA and delivered by:


Frequently Asked Questions

How can my community use the Cultural Connections in Disability model?

The project has ended, but you can still use our resources:
Access our online toolkit for valuable resources
– Contact Katherine at [email protected] for more information

I have a disability or care for someone who does. How can I get help?

If you’re from one of our Community Partners, please contact your community leader:
– African Women’s Federation of SA – awfosa.com / (08) 8166 6602
– Association of the Burundian Community of SA – [email protected]
– Australians for Syria SA – [email protected]
– Chinese Welfare Services of SA – chinesewelfareservices.org.au / (08) 8212 2988
– Congolese Community of SA – congolesecommunitysa.org.au / [email protected]
– Iranian Women’s Organisaton of SA – www.iwosa.com.au / [email protected]
– Maronite Community of SA – maronite.org.au / [email protected]
– St Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church Parish Association – steliaschurchsa.org.au / [email protected]
– Vishva Hindu Parishad – www.vhpsa.org.au / [email protected]

If you’re not from these communities, email Katherine at [email protected] for support.

We want to make our community more inclusive. What resources can help?

Fantastic! We have resources to help you:
Use our online toolkit, which provides you with valuable resources
– Book our Disability Awareness, Access and Inclusion Training for your community, by emailing Katherine at [email protected] – The training is facilitated by someone with disability from a multicultural background

Will the project expand to more communities?

We were able to expand the reach of this project to 3 more communities, prior to the project ending in June 2024.
While we hope to continue this work, future expansion depends on funding. However, regardless of future funding, our toolkit and resources will remain available to all communities.

Does MCCSA help people access the NDIS?

We don’t directly help individuals access the NDIS.
However:
– Our trained Community Connectors within our Community Partner organisations can support you through the process
– Additionally, for direct NDIS access support, please contact SA’s NDIS Partners:
Baptcare: 1800 960 595
Feros Care: 1300 986 970
Mission Australia: 1800 931 543

Is MCCSA an NDIS Provider?

No, we’re not an NDIS Provider.
We help our Community Partners understand the NDIS and support people with disability to find the right services.

Have More Questions?

We’re here to help!

For more information about the project outcomes:
Contact Katherine Greer, Disability Programs Coordinator

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