Workshops and multilingual brochures helping CALD families

Canterbury’s Culturally And Linguistically Diverse (CALD) families accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) are getting lots of help from a $17,320 donation from Canterbury League Club.

The donation, provided to Koorana Child and Family Services based in Belmore, was used to run two workshops to update family clients on Koorana’s services within the NDIS and provide them with a multilingual brochure explaining the changes. The information covered within included an explanation of the NDIS, eligibility, how the system will work, the benefits, as well as how to access the services that Koorana offers.

“Koorana provides a range of services to ALL children and their families. Our slogan is ‘All children, all abilities, all possibilities’ and our services live and breathe this conviction. We have both disability and non-disability specific services,” said Vicki Battisti, CEO of Koorana Child and Family Services.

Approximately 100 local families have received updates via Koorana’s workshops and individual information sessions. Koorana’s info brochures are available in seven different languages including Vietnamese, Chinese, Arabic and Bangla to cater to Canterbury LGA’s diverse community.

“Families have been delighted with the workshops and brochures. Information generally is hard enough to understand when English is not your first language, but especially when something is going to have so much impact on your life. It’s crucial to have the support to understand what this will mean for them,” said Vicki.

“Canterbury has one of the most diverse communities in all of Sydney and accessibility is an important issue for encouraging community engagement and understanding. All children should have equal chance to receive early education regardless of their abilities,” said Dr George Peponis OAM, Chairman of Canterbury League Club.