Manitoba
Manitoba Possible (Formerly Society for Manitobans with Disabilities, EthnoCultural Program Winnipeg)
What does the CHW do?
- In association with internal and external Case managers, to provide direct cultural interpretation and facilitation services for individuals with disabilities, and their families, facing language and cultural barriers.
- To ensure that individuals with disabilities of ethnic origin, and their families have access to assistance in navigating health, rehabilitation and social services.
- To support and educate service providers by increasing their awareness of, and sensitivity to, the cultural values of clients of SMD’s Ethno Cultural Program
What difference does it make?
At the same time, SMD’s Cultural Resource Facilitators help people gain confidence in their own ability to access resources and support, which encourages them to take action on their own, secure in the knowledge that any service providers they meet through SMD will respect their cultural differences and beliefs.
What are some successes?
Cultural Resource Facilitators respect other languages and culture and it is this respect that enables them to create positive experiences for people. Positive experiences, in turn, give people greater confidence in Manitoba's health and social services.
What challenges/risks does the target population face?
The Cultural Resource Facilitators of SMD’s Ethno-Cultural Program help people and families living with disabilities, that come from a variety of ethnic communities, connect with much-needed social services and supports. We provide a support system for newcomer families in accessing services and supports that are available in Winnipeg.
Website: www.smd.mb.ca
