Cultural and Human Diversity in Communication

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Diversity Indicators

• Race, Age, Sexual orientation
• Family status, Religious Affilation
• Nationality or Ethnicity
• Marital status, Colour
• Mental or Physical Disability
• Level of Ability

Pause for Reflection

Other Indicators to Consider

• Limited Language skills
• Homeless Population
• Culturally Isolated Populations
• Geographically Isolated Communities
• Populations Living below poverty
• Visually and Hearing Imparied

Cultural Sensitivity vs. Cultural Competency

• The term 'cultural sensitivity' implies that diversity work is just about people being nice to one another. While having good interpersonal skills is certainly positive, cultural competency involves much more than that. Cultural competency is a professional skill that enables staff and organizations to serve their clients effectively and competently. Beyond simply treating diverse clients with sensitivity, culturally competent organizations actively identify and remove any barriers that prevent them from accessing and participating in the organization's programs and services

What happens if we get it wrong?

• Unequal Access to Services and Unequal Treatment
• Tolerance of Discrimination
• Bullying and Physical Violence
• Exclusion or Invisibility
• Unwelcome Remarks, Slurs, Jokes, Obscene Gesture
• Name-Calling and Verbal Abuse

Indicators of a Culturally Competent Envir.

• Child and Youth
• Staff and Caregivers
• Organizations
• "Being culturally competent enables service providers to provide equitable, child-centred care."

Summary

• By the numbers!
• Thoughts to consider
• Where do we go from here?

References

• Achieving Cultural Competence: A Diversity Tool Kit for Residential Care Settings http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/topics/specialneeds/achieving_...
• Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity Awareness: Bridging the Gap Between Families and Providers http://aia.berkeley.edu/media/pdf/source_summer96.pdf
• Stuart, C. & Carty, B. (2006) The Role of Competence in Outcomes for Children and Youth: An approach for Mental . Retrieved from: http://www.excellenceforchildandyouth.ca/sites/default/files/gai_attach/Ini... 394_Beyond_the_Basics.pdf