May 6 - 8, 2002
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Providing Culturally Competent Disability Services
to Persons Born in other Countries May 6 - 8, 2002 |
Meeting the early intervention needs of diverse families: Georgia's journey
Reddy, S.
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia USA
sareddy@arches.uga.edu
Abstract
The Institute on Human Development and Disability at UGA has provided technical assistance on cultural competence issues to Georgia's Office of Children with Special Needs since 1995. The Institute began with a small project to develop a stat ewide network of cultural liaisons: individuals and organizations that would serve as resources to agency staff and help them serve families from other countries more effectively. The work expanded to include a variety of projects such as developing a Pro tocol for Translation and a Guide for Interpreters, translation of federally mandated documents and informational materials into Spanish, Korean and Vietnamese, cultural competence training, public awareness efforts targeted towards minority populations a nd minority recruitment. In addition, the Multicultural Collaborative was established to serve as an advisory arm to the state on issues related to the provision of culturally and linguistically appropriate services. The group meets quarterly and is made up of agency staff, family members, and representatives of community organizations that serve minority populations.