This website provides translated materials for families in 7 additional languages. If you would like to find materials to print in other languages, please return to the home page and click on 'Information for Families'. Each of the elements of information is translated into Gaeilge, Polish, Romanian, Russian, French, Lithuanian and Brazilian Portuguese.
Best Practice Guidelines
To provide the diagnosis in a way which respects cultural and linguistic diversity, the Guidelines recommend that:
4.1 The written information given to parents is in their first language. The information being explained to parents during disclosure of a child’s disability can be quite complex and this is further complicated when there is a language barrier to be overcome.
4.2 An interpreter is provided if the parents have limited English proficiency, and the role of the interpreter is explained.
4.3 If possible the interpreter is made aware of what will be discussed prior to the consultation so that they are prepared when the news is given.
4.4 Family members are not nominated as interpreters.
4.5 The cultural and religious backgrounds of all families are acknowledged and respected.
4.6 When families from diverse cultural backgrounds are being given a diagnosis of their child’s disability particular attention is paid to gaining an insight into the meanings that each family assign to disability. Accurate information is provided to explain the diagnosis and dispel any unhelpful understandings of the disability that become apparent.
4.7 At a national level equitable access to appropriate professional interpretation services is provided, with interpreters available in person to attend diagnosis consultations.
4.8 At a national level widespread access to written materials in languages other than English is provided to staff members, for supply to parents.
4.9 The Informing Families Project recommends that further research is undertaken into how families of children with disability should be supported at the time of diagnosis to ensure culturally competent care.
Click here to continue to the next section of the Guidelines - Team Approach and Planning