Cultural competence training with organizations serving people with disabilities from diverse cultural backgrounds

Abstract

This article describes the cultural competence training approach used by the Center for Capacity Building on Minorities with Disabilities Research with agencies that serve people with disabilities from different cultural backgrounds. The outcomes of the training on participants' individual levels of cultural knowledge, physical environment, attitudes, values and communication styles are presented. Data on the agencies' ability to set, pursue and attain organizational goals related to cultural competence is also presented. A total of 287 staff members representing 84 organizations completed individual-level assessment instruments. In addition, 43 organizations elected to receive follow-along support related to organizational cultural competence goals. Results indicated that participants experienced significant post-training improvements in cultural knowledge, physical environments, and values, attitudes and communication styles. In addition, after 6 months of follow-along support, participants were actively pursuing with progress or had achieved the majority of the cultural competence goals they set during training. The potential benefits and challenges of providing cultural competence training to staff that serve ethnic minority individuals with disabilities are discussed.