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Culturally Aware Linguistically Diverse (CALD)

The CALD service provides advice and support to non-english speaking families with disabled children.

Website header graphic with a pale background and curved light blue accents, featuring a circular photo of a family of six, from a toddler to older adults, gathered together indoors and smiling towards the camera; two women wearing head scarves.

Culturally Aware Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Service

Our Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Disability Information Advisory Service (CALD DIAS) provides support, information and advice for to migrant families who speak English as a second language with disabled children.

This services is for families from different cultures, including (but not limited to):

  • Chinese
  • Indian
  • Southeast Asian

This service aims to improve quality of information to families  who speak English as a second language in the South Auckland region; and to connect them to appropriate services that respect and respond to their cultural, linguistic and religious needs, beliefs, values and practices.

This service provides the South Auckland community with culturally and religiously appropriate disability related information via telephone, email and in-person conversations (with an interpreter if necessary).

Workshops and Seminars on topics such as:

  • Navigating the New Zealand Disability Sector
  • Education Transition phases (Early Childhood Education to Primary school and progressing to Secondary school, and Secondary school to Community)
  • Ministry of Social Development Disability Support Services (DSS)
  • The Needs Assessment and Service Coordination process
  • Some disability specific seminars such as Autism support or Behaviour training
  • Information on other possible supports including Work and Income
  • Publications (some translated) on Navigating the New Zealand Disability Sector including some of the above topics

For more information, please contact Yoky Yao or Jessica Ramirez at Disability Connect, phone 09 636-0351 or email disabilityadvisor@disabilityconnect.org.nz

 

Yaqin (Yoky) Yao

Community Cultural Disability Advisor

Yoky speaks Mandarin and English.

Yoky works Monday, Thursday and Friday and facilitates a Parent Support Group, primarily for Chinese families on Thursday mornings once a month.

 

Jessica Ramirez 

Cultural Disability and Information Advisor

Jessica speaks English and Filipino, with a basic understanding of NZSL (New Zealand Sign Language).  Jess works Monday to Wednesday with a few flexible hours on Thursday and Friday.  Jess facilitates a Culturally Diverse Parent Support Group once a month on Wednesdays.