Indigenous & Multicultural Outreach Update

Over the past months, Voice of Albertans with Disabilities has reached out to Indigenous and multicultural organizations across Alberta to offer disability awareness presentations, benefit navigation support, and one-on-one assistance.
These connections help ensure people with disabilities are not left behind due to geography, culture, or language barriers.

To better serve diverse communities, VAD provides information and support using:
Plain-language English
Translated materials and interpretation support when available
Culturally appropriate communication styles that respect community norms
Language access helps individuals fully understand their rights, options, and available supports.

Why Culturally Responsive Disability Support Matters
Disability is experienced differently across cultures. Factors such as historical trauma, systemic racism, immigration status, and differing views of disability can affect how and when people seek help.

Culturally responsive support:
Builds trust
Reduces stigma
Improves access to services
Creates safer, more welcoming spaces

Why Disability Services Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All
A single approach doesn’t work for everyone. People’s experiences are shaped by culture, language, family roles, location, and access to resources. Effective disability support must be flexible, respectful, and responsive to individual and community needs — especially for Indigenous and multicultural populations. Inclusion means meeting people where they are.