Diversity and Multiculturalism

DIVERSITY AND MULTICULTURALISM LEGISLATION:
Canadian Multiculturalism Act:
The Canadian Multiculturalism Act was adopted by Parliament in 1988. Canada was one of the first countries in the world to pass a law of this kind. It is important for the vocational rehabilitation community and professionals to advocate for and embrace the policies of this act, which 'recognizes and promotes the understanding that multiculturalism reflects the cultural, ethnic, and racial diversity of Canadian society and acknowledges the freedom of all members of society to preserve, enhance and share their cultural heritage.

Multiculturalism is a fundamental characteristic of Canadian heritage and identity and is an invaluable resource in shaping Canada’s future. It promotes the full and equitable participation of people and communities of all origins in the evolution and shaping of society and assists with the elimination of any barrier to participation. It recognizes the existence of communities whose members share a common origin in contributing to society. It ensures all people receive equal treatment and equal protection under the law, while respecting and valuing their diversity. It encourages and assists the social, cultural, economic and political institutions of Canada to be both respectful and inclusive of Canada’s multicultural character.

This promotes the understanding and creativity that arises from interactions between individuals and communities of different origins. It fosters the recognition and appreciation of diverse cultures and promotes the expressions of those cultures. It preserves and enhances the use of languages other than English and French and advances multiculturalism throughout Canada.'

https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-18.7/page-1.html

Canadian Human Rights Act:
The Canadian Human Rights Act is a statute passed by Parliament in 1977 to 'protects the individual equal rights of Canadians in making the life they are able to and wish to have, ensuring their needs are accommodated without being discriminated against based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, family status, genetic characteristics, disability or conviction for an offence which has been pardoned.' This act created the Canadian Human Rights Commission which investigates claims of discrimination and a tribunal to judge the cases.

https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/h-6/page-1.html

DIVERSE MULTICULTURAL IDENTITIES
It is important for vocational rehabilitation professionals to understand, recognize, and respect individual differences across a diverse spectrum of multicultural identities. They are in a position to advocate for and prevent discrimination based on ability/disability, age, ethnicity, culture, gender identity, language, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.

Identity has an impact on a person's ability to enter, maintain, or return to work. It is important in vocational rehabilitation to be aware of how these factors relate to a person's identity, perception of self, and the impact of sociocultural and environmental influences on them.

CULTURAL AWARENESS, RESPONSIVENESS & SAFETY
Cultural awareness, responsiveness, and safety is essential for professionals and clients in vocational rehabilitation. We need a commitment to awareness and sensitivity for differences in our cultural identities and practices, in order to create an environment with relationships that are responsive to each of our unique needs and to promote a sense of safety from potential harm. There are cultural differences related to language, norms, how people regard disability and return to work, vocabulary, perceptions of independence versus interdependence, understandings about the need and benefit of accommodations, speaking about oneself as being immodest or selfish, and how various actions and behaviors communicate respect or disrespect. It is preferred to prevent thinking and acting in ways that contribute to a type of cultural tunnel vision where perceptions of reality are based on a very narrow or limited set of cultural experiences and identities.

Full inclusion is important to welcome and support every person in participating in education, training, and employment opportunities. An ideal goal to strive for is to move beyond and transform our cultural assumptions; to heal the trauma of acculturation and dominance of any one group over another; to appreciate and embrace all ethnicities; to prevent and eliminate biases, ethnocentrism, prejudice, and stereotypes; to be flexible with our cultural mores, social norms, and values; and to accept a broad spectrum of unique cultural identities.

REFERENCES:
College of Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals, Board of Directors. 2021-2023. Standards of Practice. College of Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals. https://cvrp.net/wp-content/uploads/129-Approved-Version-02-CVRP-SoPs.pdf

College of Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals, Board of Directors. 2019. Vocational Rehabilitation Competencies. College of Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals. https://cvrp.net/wp-content/uploads/60-Competencies.pdf