Australia is one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse nations in the world. Nearly one in four Australians was born overseas, and almost 20% of households speak a language other than English. Despite this rich diversity, many people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds still face barriers in accessing the NDIS for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities, highlighting the need for more inclusive and culturally tailored support.
Although the NDIS was designed to be inclusive, CALD individuals remain underrepresented in the system. Only 9% of NDIS participants identify as being from a CALD background, even though the real number is likely higher.
This guide will help NDIS participants from multicultural backgrounds better understand their rights, access disability services and connect with culturally appropriate supports.
Why CALD Participation in the NDIS Matters
The NDIS provides funding and services to Australians with permanent and significant disabilities. However, CALD participants often experience language barriers, cultural stigma and limited awareness about the support available.
Without targeted support, people from multicultural backgrounds may miss out on essential services, plan funding and opportunities to improve their independence.
Improving access for CALD participants is crucial to creating a fairer, more inclusive NDIS for all Australians.
Barriers CALD Communities Face in Accessing the NDIS
CALD communities face several challenges when trying to engage with disability support services. These include:
- Limited access to translated NDIS information
- Lack of culturally appropriate NDIS service providers
- Difficulty navigating government systems in a second or third language
- Cultural stigma surrounding disability in some communities
- Fewer NDIS support coordinators with cultural awareness or language skills
As a result, people with disability from multicultural communities often feel disconnected, isolated or unsupported when navigating the NDIS.
Key Multicultural Disability Support Organisations in Australia
Several national and state-based organisations help CALD NDIS participants and their families overcome these barriers. Below are a few leading examples:
National Ethnic Disability Alliance (NEDA)
NEDA is a national body that advocates for the rights of people with disability from CALD backgrounds. Its Community Connector Program, operating in NSW, ACT and WA, helps people:
- Access the NDIS application process
- Attend NDIS planning meetings
- Understand their rights
- Use culturally tailored NDIS resources
- Receive outreach and community education
NEDA also advises the NDIA on culturally appropriate service delivery.
Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA)
FECCA works on a national level to represent multicultural voices and advocate for CALD access to disability support services. Their Disability Advisory Committee works closely with the NDIA to shape policy and improve access.
FECCA encourages:
- Cultural competency training for NDIS providers
- More data collection around CALD participation
- Greater visibility of CALD communities in disability services
NDIS Language Services and Interpreter Support
To break down language barriers, the NDIS provides translation and interpreter services to CALD participants and their families.
Through the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS), participants can access:
- On-demand or pre-booked phone interpreting
- In-person interpreting for NDIS planning meetings
- Translation of documents in over 160 languages
- Bilingual NDIS support coordinators to explain plan budgets and services
These services help families understand their NDIS rights, prepare for plan reviews and communicate effectively with providers.
Support coordinators play a vital role in arranging these services and ensuring that CALD participants get the full benefit of their NDIS funding.
How NDIS Support Coordinators and Providers Can Improve CALD Access
To better support people with disability from CALD backgrounds, NDIS providers and support coordinators should focus on inclusive, culturally competent practices.
Recommended Strategies:
- Translate key NDIS documents into multiple languages
- Use plain language and culturally relevant visuals
- Hire bilingual support staff and culturally trained workers
- Partner with multicultural organisations to co-design services
- Tailor care plans that reflect religious, cultural and community values
- Create dedicated NDIS website sections for CALD clients
- Provide in-language contact options and interpreters for plan meetings
By embedding cultural sensitivity into disability support, providers can improve access and build trust within CALD communities.
Why Cultural Inclusion Strengthens the NDIS
The NDIS is built on the values of choice, control and inclusion. Ensuring these values extend to every Australian regardless of language, culture or country of origin is not only fair but necessary for the scheme’s long-term success.
When the NDIS supports people from all backgrounds, it becomes stronger, more effective and truly representative of the Australian community.
Cultural inclusion is not just a goal it is a responsibility we all share.
About Hope & Care Community Services
Hope & Care Community Services (HCCS) is a proud NDIS-registered provider in Queensland, dedicated to empowering people from all backgrounds, including Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD)communities. We provide person-centred disability support through services such as Support Coordination, Plan Management, In-Home Support, Community Participation, Personal Care and Positive Behaviour Support. With a culturally competent team and a commitment to inclusion, we help participants achieve their goals, build independence and live with dignity regardless of language or cultural background.
Want to learn more? Read other articles :
- Redefine Independence your own way – with HCCS
- Who’s Who: The Key Terms of Your NDIS Plan
- Foundational Supports: Building Blocks of NDIS Success
HCCS is a registered NDIS provider. Learn more about our services.
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