An interpretive phenomenological analysis of the experiences of disability service providers supporting people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and how these are shaped by disability policy within Australia

Abstract

Introduction: People from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds constitute a significant portion of Australia's population but have disproportionately lower access to disability services compared to people from non-CALD backgrounds. While their service needs have been well documented, research on the impact of disability policy has not. This study explored the experiences of service providers who support people from CALD backgrounds living with physical disability in New South Wales (NSW) to understand their experiences of delivering disability services to this client group and how these experiences are influenced by Australian disability policy.

Consumer and community involvement: Three instances of consumer feedback influenced revisions to interview questions and study design. Two were within a university context, and one was with a community group that focusses on people from CALD backgrounds living with disability.

Methods: Recruitment of disability service providers was undertaken using a broad approach, via contact with numerous disability service provider organisations in NSW. Overall, seven service providers were recruited, which included three disability support workers, three occupational therapists, and a nurse. Participants engaged in a semi-structured interview over video conference. Their accounts were transcribed and analysed using interpretive phenomenological analysis.

Findings: Four groups of experiential themes arose from the analysis. More time is required when working with people from CALD backgrounds; Person centred care can be facilitated by policy, community engagement, and expertise; a fragmented sector superimposed on intersectionality; and integrated care is facilitated by community engagement, networks, and relationship building.

Conclusion: This research identified key themes that reflected service providers experiences. It illustrates how Australian disability policy shapes service provision for this cohort, and how policy improvements have the capacity to enhance service provision.

Plain language summary: People from CALD backgrounds make up a large part of Australia's population but use disability services less often. There is little research on how disability policy affects them. This study looked at service providers in NSW who help people from CALD backgrounds with physical disabilities to understand their experiences and the role of disability policy. The study found four key points. Service providers feel they need more time to work with people from CALD backgrounds and that government policies can have an impact on this. Another was that service providers' cultural skills and knowledge are helpful and that disability policy which allows people to choose their providers helps this. Another was that the disability sector was disorganised and that people who experience many forms of disadvantage find this even more difficult. The last culturally sensitive support from family, friends, and the community is important, for which some parts of disability policy encourage this more than others. Further research is still needed to find policy solutions for these issues.

Keywords: Australia; community involvement; intersectionality; participants; policy.