Disability within Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) Communities

Let's Talk Culture Seminar:

Ishar presents Let’s Talk Culture, an enriching event designed to enhance your cultural competency practices in the mental health and well-being space. As service providers, it is crucial for us to recognise the diverse needs and experiences of the individuals we serve. This series of seminars aims to equip you with valuable information and insights on working with one of the most vulnerable cohorts in our community: CaLD women. By deepening our understanding of their unique challenges, we can better support their mental health and overall well-being.

The second seminar of this year, " Disability within Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) Communities" explores the unique challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in culturally and linguistically diverse communities, focusing on language barriers, cultural stigmas, and societal attitudes. It examines how different cultures perceive and address disability, highlighting the impact of cultural taboos and beliefs. The discussion extends to the challenges in accessing education and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies. Additionally, the seminar analyzes the availability and accessibility of support services, identifying gaps and proposing strategies for improvement. Furthermore, it addresses the role of systemic advocacy in overcoming these challenges and explores ways to encourage self-advocacy, empowering individuals with disabilities to advocate for their own needs and rights.

Keynote speaker 1: Wajma Padshah - Community Engagement Facilitator Mission Australia

Keynote speaker 2: Sufiya Salim - Project Manager Diverse Communities APM

Keynote speaker 3: Dr Siyat Hillow Abdi | Systemic Advocate

With over 25 years of experience in the disability and community development sectors, Dr Siyat began his career as a trained teacher overseas, teaching and lecturing at high schools and tertiary levels for many years.

He completed a PhD in Community Rehabilitation (disability studies) at Flinders University and became the first registered blind teacher in South Australia. He has previously worked as a lecturer, policy researcher, and systemic advocate at Kin Disability Advocacy.

Currently, he is an independent disability consultant, advocate, and human rights activist, having worked extensively with migrant communities in South Australia and Western Australia, particularly refugees, women, and people with disabilities.

He has a deep understanding of the difficulties and barriers faced by people with disabilities, migrants, and refugee families when navigating services and processes for accessing support, integrating, and settling in Australia. He continues to represent various diversity groups and advisory committees in Western Australia and is a member of the Ministerial Advisory Council on Disability in WA.

He has published a book and written articles on culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) people with disabilities, continuing research in this area. He has a keen interest in leadership, social justice, human diversity, and equity issues, supporting people to make positive changes in their circumstances, and is passionate about fostering a welcoming and inclusive community for all.

Join us for this enlightening seminar, where you will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, learn from experts in the field, and network with like-minded professionals committed to providing culturally responsive care.

Please RSVP by the 17th of July to secure your place, as spaces are limited. Light refreshments will be provided throughout the event.

We look forward to your participation in the Let's Talk Culture series this year and collaborating with you to promote culturally responsive practices in the mental health and well-being space.

Parking

Hillview has time restrictions on parking. Please do not park in the 30-minute parking in front of the shops and observe all parking signs. Rangers will issue fines if you are found to be parking in a 30-minute bay.

You can park in front of the center in the 4 hours of parking and there is ample off-street parking available.

Tea, coffee, and light refreshments will be provided.

Please note, that Ishar will not be offering parking tokens, creche, or interpreters for this event.

Please extend this invite to anyone in your network who may benefit from attendance.

This event is proudly funded by the Mental Health Commission.