Summary
- An effective care worker recognises and respects diversity, and understands that everyone deserves to be treated with courtesy regardless of their race, religion, gender, beliefs or culture.
- The key areas of diversity in Australia include: culture, race and ethnicity; disability; religious and spiritual beliefs; gender identity; intersexual status; generational diversity; and sexual orientation.
- Australia is a very diverse society, both socially and culturally.
- It is important to appreciate these differences and understand how diversity affects the way you communicate and work with people with support needs, their families and your co-workers.
- Everyone is different. Never stereotype or make presumptions, as people may think differently even though they belong to the same cultural or social group.
- Be aware of diversity when working with others. Use your knowledge of people’s culture and/or social background to develop a good working relationship with them.
- Understand the impact of inequality on marginalised groups. This understanding will give more insight and make your work more inclusive as you will work with more empathy and understanding. You must treat all staff and people with support needs equally.
- Do not discriminate or breach another person’s human rights. There are international and Australian laws against this. Discrimination is never an acceptable behaviour in the care environment.
- All people are born with inherent rights. These are called human rights, and include the right to safety, fair treatment, equality, freedom and dignity. People are also entitled to have basic needs met. These include receiving food, water, shelter, clothing, education and healthcare.
- Get to know the frameworks, approaches and instruments used in your workplace that uphold human rights. All people have rights and responsibilities: workers, management and people with support needs.
- Help to keep your workplace safe and secure. This should be part of your daily activities involves issues such as personal hygiene, cultural rituals, privacy, nutritional needs, social environment, religious needs and personal space.
- Solving problems is another way to help people with support needs feel safe and secure. It is also important to involve them in any decisions that affect them.
- It is essential that people with support needs have ready access to counselling and support for emotional trauma and medical assistance and treatment if required.
- People may belong to a marginalised group on the basis of their physical, emotional or mental health needs. People from marginalised groups may experience negative attitudes from others, exclusion, trauma or discrimination. Know how to support the rights of people in marginalised groups, and be aware of risk factors.
