PROVIDE TRAUMA-INFORMED, CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE DISABILITY SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE FROM REFUGEE BACKGROUNDS
How do refugee trauma, disability, culture and resettlement intersect? What does this mean for disability services?
People with disability from refugee backgrounds may face additional barriers to accessing services, building trust and rebuilding their lives in Australia. Experiences of war, persecution, torture and forced displacement can affect physical and psychological wellbeing, while cultural understandings of disability can influence help-seeking, family responses and engagement with services.
This practical STARTTS workshop will help you understand the intersection of refugee trauma and disability and develop strategies for providing safer, more accessible and culturally responsive support.
WHY THIS WORKSHOP MATTERS
People with disability from refugee backgrounds may experience multiple and overlapping challenges related to trauma, displacement, disability, language, cultural transition and navigating unfamiliar service systems.
Disability professionals do not need to be trauma specialists to make a difference. Understanding these experiences can help you build trust, recognise distress, reduce trauma triggers and provide support that promotes dignity, choice, safety and inclusion.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Understand Refugee Trauma and Disability
Explore how disability can intersect with persecution, torture, forced displacement and resettlement, and the impact these experiences can have on wellbeing and service engagement.
Understand Disability Across Cultures
Consider how cultural beliefs and understandings of disability can influence help-seeking, family responses and engagement with disability services.
Recognise and Reduce Trauma Triggers
Identify situations that may unintentionally trigger fear or distress and learn practical ways to increase safety, predictability, choice and control.
Provide Trauma-Informed and Culturally Safe Support
Apply practical approaches that promote dignity, trust, autonomy, inclusion and cultural respect.
Strengthen Access, Communication and Engagement
Explore barriers to accessing services and develop strategies for building trust, communicating across cultures and working effectively with professional interpreters.
Maintain Professional Boundaries and Wellbeing
Strengthen professional boundaries and recognise the potential impacts of trauma work, including vicarious trauma and burnout.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Essential professional development for people supporting people with disability from refugee and culturally diverse backgrounds, including:
- Disability support workers and NDIS providers
- Support coordinators and case managers
- Allied health professionals
- Social workers and counsellors
- Community, multicultural and settlement workers
- Disability service managers and team leaders
- Volunteers and other professionals working with people with disability
FORMAT AND INCLUSIONS
- Online and in-person delivery
- Facilitated by an experienced trauma-informed practitioner
- Includes interactive activities, real-life scenarios, and skill practice
- Receive a certificate of completion
- Receive a PDF of the workshop slides
BRING THIS WORKSHOP TO YOUR TEAM
Would your team benefit from tailored, trauma-informed training? This workshop is available as an online and in-person in-house session (in-person available in Sydney only), customised to meet the specific needs of your staff, clients, or community. Visit our Request Training page for details on pricing, availability, and how to book.
Plan ahead: Due to high demand, we recommend submitting your request at least 6–8 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date. Empower your team with the confidence, skills, and cultural sensitivity to support refugee and asylum seeker communities effectively.
CONTACT US
stts-training@health.nsw.gov.au
(02) 9646 6700 Ask for the Training Administration Officer