Planning Culturally Responsive Support for CALD Participants

Australia’s population is one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse in the world — and the communities across Canterbury Bankstown, Strathfield, Burwood, and the Inner West are no exception. At EnableU, we recognise that effective NDIS and home support services must be tailored to reflect this diversity. Our approach to culturally responsive support ensures that participants from CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) backgrounds receive services that are inclusive, respectful, and empowering.

Whether it's understanding family dynamics, respecting religious observances, or simply speaking the right language, every detail matters when it comes to delivering quality NDIS services. Here's how EnableU works with CALD participants to design care that truly fits.

Why Cultural Responsiveness Matters

NDIS participants from diverse backgrounds often face barriers such as:

• Limited English proficiency or literacy



• Mistrust of government systems



• Preference for family-led care over external support



• Lack of awareness of NDIS entitlements or how to access them

Without cultural understanding, support plans may be underused or ineffective. That’s why EnableU embeds cultural sensitivity into every stage of our support planning process — from initial consultation to daily service delivery.

Understanding the CALD Experience in Disability Support

CALD participants bring different expectations and values to their care experience. At EnableU, we consider:

• Language preference and need for interpreters or multilingual staff



• Religious and spiritual beliefs that impact care routines, diet, or therapy preferences



• Gender norms that may require same-gender support workers



• Family roles that influence who participates in decision-making

We take the time to build trust and ask the right questions — respectfully and without assumptions.

How EnableU Builds a Culturally Responsive Support Plan

When working with a CALD participant, our team follows a detailed person-centred planning process that includes:

1. Language Matching

We aim to match clients with a support worker or therapist who speaks their preferred language. This ensures clear communication and reduces anxiety, especially for older participants or new NDIS users.

2. Cultural Assessment

During onboarding, we gather cultural information such as:

• Religious and spiritual practices



• Important holidays or fasting periods



• Customs around touch, privacy, and gender interaction



• Dietary restrictions

This shapes how we deliver personal care, meals, and therapy in a way that honours the participant's values.

3. Inclusive Goal Setting

We help CALD participants articulate their goals in their own words, often involving trusted family members in the process. Goals may include:

• Improved mobility to attend mosque, temple, or church



• Learning how to use public transport safely



• Participating in a community group that shares their cultural background

4. Ongoing Staff Training

Our team receives training on cultural competence, unconscious bias, and inclusive care practices. We don’t just translate — we adapt our entire service delivery to suit each cultural context.

Examples of Culturally Responsive Care at EnableU

Here are some examples of how we’ve supported CALD participants in meaningful ways:

• Providing a female Arabic-speaking OT for a young woman in Lakemba due to family preference



• Designing a Ramadan-safe meal plan for a participant who fasts during the day



• Organising community access outings to Vietnamese cultural events for social participation goals



• Arranging therapy sessions around church times and family schedules

Empowering Participants with Knowledge and Support

CALD families often feel overwhelmed by the NDIS system. We help by:

• Translating care plans into the participant’s language



• Explaining how to use NDIS funding in simple, clear terms



• Supporting plan reviews with culturally aware documentation



• Helping participants switch providers or request new services

We believe that access to support shouldn't depend on how well you speak English — it should depend on your needs, your goals, and your rights.

Our Local Commitment to CALD Communities

EnableU has strong roots in:

• Canterbury Bankstown Council — home to Arabic, Vietnamese, and South Asian families



• Burwood Council — with large Chinese-speaking communities



• Strathfield Council — with Korean, Indian, and multicultural populations



• Inner West Council — known for cultural activism and community support groups

We are not just a provider — we are part of your community. We hire locally, partner with community organisations, and listen to what families really need.

Let’s Plan the Support That’s Right for You

If you're a CALD NDIS participant — or caring for someone who is — EnableU can create a culturally responsive care plan that empowers, protects, and respects your heritage.

Contact your local EnableU team today to begin a culturally safe and personalised support journey.

Your culture matters. Your goals matter. Your independence matters. And we’re here to support it all — at home, with dignity.