Course length: 1 day

Course Description

The purpose of this workshop is to focus attention on the approximately 25% of people with cognitive disability in NSW who are from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, some of whom are in contact with the criminal justice system.

The aim is to broaden our understanding of the role and importance of culture in our interactions with, and our work alongside, people with cognitive disability. Especially when they are in contact or at risk of being in contact with the criminal justice system.

By deepening our own understanding of culture and exploring our own cultural lenses, we strengthen our abilities, knowledge and skills to respond in a more culturally responsive and person centred way.

This workshop is essentially divided into two sections:

In the first section we will explore ideas of diversity in the Australian context. It will conclude with an exploration of our own cultural biases, assumptions and blind spots in order to heighten our self-awareness and critical thinking for part two.

The second section will explore culturally responsive practices and will focus on three particular skills: empathy, listening and choice making, and how they can be used effectively in working effectively cross culturally.

Outcomes of the course

By the end of this one-day workshop, it is expected participants will be able to:

• Understand the importance of culture (in its broadest sense) and how it impacts on everything we do
• Gain greater insights into our own cultural assumptions and biases
• Have a deeper knowledge of the experiences of migrant and refugees specifically in relation to people with cognitive disability, who may be in contact with the justice system
• Increase their knowledge and skills in working with people from CALD backgrounds with cognitive disability, who may be in contact with the justice system

Who should attend?

This course has been developed for disability workers, community service workers and case managers who provide support to people from CALD backgrounds with cognitive disability, in contact with the criminal justice system.

Details of course venues and dates

To register for a course please choose your venue and date and then enter your details for that course – there is no charge, but numbers are limited. This registration form is hosted within the CCWT registration/database system, so a new window from that site will open for you to enter your details.

You will notice our registration system has changed from earlier DJP courses, as we have installed a new database registration system. We are aware that a few people have had problems with this registration system when using some early versions of Internet Explorer (version 9 and below).

So, if you do experience difficulties registering for this course we recommend using another web browser to access the system – such as Chrome or Firefox, or access the registration system using your mobile phone or tablet. If you continue to experience issues or need help completing the form, please contact us via training@disabilityjustice.edu.au