Cultural competence and linguistic competence are widely recognized as fundamental aspects of human services. Cultural and linguistic competence are evidence-based practices that contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion across the public and private sectors. While evidence suggests the efficacy of cultural and linguistic competence in many sectors such as social services, education, and healthcare – evidence of their application in the disability space has been slower to evolve. Some organizations (education, employment, and community living) continue to struggle with the full integration of cultural and linguistic competence into their policies, structures, practices, and procedures.
Key Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
- Define culture and describe its multiple dimensions.
- Define cultural diversity and describe factors that influence cultural diversity among individuals and groups.
- Examine cultural diversity within the context of disability.
- Define linguistic competence and differentiate it from language access.
- Cite legal mandates and requirements for language access that affect persons who experience disability, their families, and the communities in which they live.
- Consider these concepts in their roles and program goals within their respective organizations (employment, education, community living).
Speaker(s)
Tawara Goode