How do we support diversity:

At Hiba Healthcare, our gift of inclusion is our strength. We endeavour to understand the participant’s cultural, religious, linguistic, and customary needs. We do that by supporting, educating, and holding their hands throughout the process of accessing the NDIS plan. We help them achieve their desired outcomes, independence, and control in their lives.

Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities also known as CALD communities now make more than 50% of all Australians. They are either first generation (born overseas) or second generation (one or both parents born overseas) Australians.

Terms like, country of birth, first and second language, religious affiliation, cultural preferences, etc are being added to the Australian demographic data every census. The census data captured every 5 years, presents a true picture of a rich CALD communities in Australian society.

Disability supports and services in CALD communities are underutilized as these communities present both cultural and modernization gaps. These communities are less likely to proactively access disability supports and services for achieving optimal outcomes.

NDIS Diversity Data:

In 2018, NDIS developed its 5 year “Cultural and Linguistic Diversity” strategy and had its first review in July 2021. The report confirmed the underutilization of supports and services by CALD communities. The data collected in March 2021 as a part of strategy review revealed that:

• CALD participants represented only 9.4% (42,265) of all participants.
• CALD participants should have been 20% (up to 90,000) of all participants.  
• CALD participants has almost tripled since the strategy was developed in 2018.
• 87% of CALD participants had a good experience with NDIS planned supports and services

We at Hiba Healthcare believe that low participation in CALD communities may have many reasons. It may be the exposure to new surroundings, assimilation to a culture and customs different to their own and/or distractions due to embracing a new way of life. There may also be barriers from their own backgrounds. These could be cultural or religious beliefs, customary taboos or socioeconomic statuses. Barriers could also be a lack of understanding or navigating the NDIS or the understanding of disability itself.

Hiba Healthcare is passionate about assisting our participants, their families and carers to overcome these challenges and remove barriers. We do this by addressing cultural sensitivity and education. We encourage advocacy and representation from their own culture, develop culturally appropriate programmes, and address stigma and taboo.

At Hiba Healthcare, we learn from each other. More importantly we learn from our participants. We encourage openness and honesty and provide a confidential trust worthy environment. We provide compassion so they feel comfortable talking about their individual choices and receive supports the way it suits them. We want to learn from you about your cultural, religious, spiritual and other customary preferences to provide you a fulfilling experience through your NDIS plan.

Hiba Healthcare supports diversities of all types and is happy to assist you with any diversity related question that you may have. Please feel free to call us on 1800 HIBA HC (1800 4422 42) fill out the “Contact Us” section on this website.

Alternatively, to learn more about CALD communities, you can also visit NDIS website at www.ndis.gov.au or call 1800 800 110.