Cultural Competence Plan

HHSP23320062921YC

Task 2.3 Conduct of T/TA Activities in the Provision of All T/TA

The Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-402) defines the term “culturally competent” used with respect to services, supports, or other assistance, means services, supports or other assistance that is conducted or provided in a manner that is responsive to the beliefs, interpersonal styles, attitudes, language, and behaviors of individuals who are receiving the services, supports or other assistance, and in a manner that has the greatest likelihood of ensuring their maximum participation in the program involved. (Title I – Programs for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities, Subtitle A-General Provisions. Sec. 102. Definitions (7)).

Further, the DD Act incorporates a policy that all programs, projects and activities receiving assistance under this title shall be carried out in a manner consistent with the principles that--

Services supports and other assistance should be provided in a manner that demonstrates respect for individual dignity, personal preferences and cultural differences (Title I-Programs for Individuals with Developmental disabilities Subtitle A-General Provisions Sec.101.Findings, Purposes and Policy. ( c ) Policy
(4)).

The National Association for Councils on Developmental Disabilities (the contractor) recognizes that cultural competence is the integration and transformation of knowledge about individuals and groups of people into specific standards, policies, practices and attitudes used in appropriate cultural settings to increase the quality of services to produce better outcomes.

The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities certifies that all activities undertaken by this contract will be provided in a manner that reflects acceptance of and respect for difference, careful attention to the dynamics of differences, continuous expansion of cultural knowledge and resources and adaptations of service models in order to better meet the needs of people served under this contract. Review and study of cultural competence practices currently used by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities and other Developmental Disabilities Network Technical Assistance Partners will enable the staff of the Council technical assistance contract to strengthen current cultural competence practices through improved technical assistance delivery.

Cultural Competence Goal:

To perform all activities and duties of the technical assistance contract to Councils in a manner that has the greatest likelihood of ensuring maximum participation by individuals with developmental disabilities and their family members.

Objective 1: Demonstrate respect for individual dignity, personal preferences and cultural differences.
Strategy A: Develop task force made up of Council members, Council staff and Executive Directors recruited from the Territories, Puerto Rico and other racial, ethnic and disabilities cultures for the purpose of reviewing products, materials and agendas to ensure that services and products undertaken under the TA Contract are culturally proficient.

Objective 2: Solicits, honors, and respects the unique needs, values and choices of the persons/Councils being served.
Strategy A: Include cultural competence needs on the technical assistance request form and the evaluation of technical assistance received.
Strategy B: Include opportunities to address cultural competence needs prior to the Technical Assistance Institute and effectively meet these needs.

Objective 3: Provide services in a manner that is sensitive to cultural differences and does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, ethnicity, creed, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, and national origin, mental or physical disability.
Strategy A: Review cultural competence practices utilized by the Administration on Developmental Disabilities and incorporate best practices into contract activities.
Strategy B: Increase sensitivity to linguistic competence in order to communicate effectively in order to maximize inclusion and participation; and convey information in a manner that is easily understood by diverse audiences including persons of limited English proficiency, those who have low literacy skills or are not literate, and individuals with disabilities.

Objective 4: Evaluate overall cultural proficiency of contract activities.
Strategy A: Include cultural competence evaluation component on annual evaluation/survey of TA contract activities. Materials, products (including web-site) TA Plans, TA Institute, will include evaluation of cultural proficiency.