Core Values
Our mission is to provide culturally responsive services that prioritize the needs and voices of individuals with disabilities and families.
Cultural literacy refers to the ability to understand, appreciate, and effectively interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. It involves:
- Cultural awareness: Recognizing and valuing the differences and similarities between cultures.
- Cultural knowledge: Understanding the history, values, beliefs, customs, and practices of various cultures.
- Cultural sensitivity: Being aware of one’s own cultural biases and avoiding behaviors that might be perceived as insensitive or offensive.
- Cultural competence: Developing skills to effectively communicate and interact with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Cultural literacy is essential in various aspects of life, including:
- Healthcare: Providing culturally sensitive care to patients from diverse backgrounds.
- Education: Creating inclusive learning environments that value diversity.
- Business: Building successful relationships with clients, customers, and colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Social services: Delivering culturally responsive services to support diverse communities.
Collaborative process of creating solutions with diverse community members, organizations, and stakeholders.
Key Principles:
- Active participation
- Shared ownership
- Mutual learning
- Culturally responsive solutions
Benefits:
- Avoids cultural misappropriation
- Tailors solutions to community needs
- Fosters trust and community engagement
- Recognizes community expertise
The right of individuals and communities to define their own identity, make decisions about their lives, preserve their culture, and determine their own future.
Why it matters:
- Recognizes the value and dignity of diverse cultures
- Promotes cultural preservation and revitalization
- Empowers communities to address their unique challenges
- Fosters autonomy, self-governance, and decision-making power
Adherence to a set of values, principles, and ethics that promote honesty, transparency, and accountability.
In a cultural context:
- Cultural authenticity: Remaining true to one’s cultural heritage and traditions.
- Moral uprightness
- Upholding ethical standards and principles in all interactions.
- Transparency and accountability: Being open and honest in all dealings, and taking responsibility for actions.
Integrity culture:
- Encourages trust and respect among community members.
- Fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability.
- Promotes ethical decision-making and behavior.
- Supports the preservation of cultural heritage and traditions.