Toolbox

Toolbox for working with disability in families from the Horn of Africa

• Many families migrating to New Zealand from the Horn of Africa have refugee backgrounds. Some families may be dealing with overwhelming pre-migration trauma and may prioritise other needs before disability support. Priorities need to be met so that families do not disengage from services and members with disability remain without support or intervention in the longer-term.
• Many people from the Horn of Africa will not have had access to health services, or rehabilitation or disability support. Many may not be familiar with the concept of a family GP. New Zealand health system and health provider roles may need explanation, including why many different providers and services are involved with the family.
• The complexities of working with disability for people with multiple health and re-settlement needs sometimes results in health providers relegating these families to the 'too hard basket'. Practitioners can involve cultural case workers, interpreters and specialist refugee services where necessary so that they feel sufficiently supported in facing the challenges that burdened families may bring.
• Families that are already isolated through the effects of trauma and loss may be further isolated by prejudice (because of a disability) from their own communities. Cultural case workers or community link workers can link families with community resources or other families with similar challenges.