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Cultural and Linguistic Appropriate Services (CLAS)

Explore the importance of providing inclusive services for diverse communities during disasters. Learn about language needs, cultural differences, and legal mandates to offer effective assistance in times of crisis.

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Cultural and Linguistic Appropriate Services (CLAS)

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  1. Cultural and Linguistic Appropriate Services (CLAS)

  2. “Ultimately, disasters are characterized by many people trying to do quickly what they do not ordinarily do, in an environment with which they are not familiar.” Chan, T. C., Killeen, J., Griswold, W., & Lenert, L. (2004). Information technology and emergency medical care during disasters. Academic Emergency Medicine, 11(11), p. 1229-1236.

  3. Title VI--Civil Rights Act of 1964

  4. Discrimination • Executive Order 13166-Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency (2000) • Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act (2006) • Added limited English proficiency (and disability) to list classes protected by the Stafford Act. Must provide services in a way that does not discriminate against those with LEP • Attorney General’s 2011 Memo to Federal Agencies Reaffirming the Mandates of E.O. 13166 • Expressed concern regarding lack of compliance

  5. Do you know… Who lives in your community? Who may live part time in your community? Why should you pay attention and know this ? What is functional literacy?

  6. Languages Likely to be Encountered-Any missing? * Over 2500 languages spoken. Common: Amharic, Arabic, Berber, Hausa, Igbo, Oromo, Somali, Swahili, Wolof, Yoruba, Zulu

  7. Keep in mind • Speaking louder does not facilitate understanding • Have language service contract in place • Test the system • Have simple and easy to follow instructions for staff on how to use the services • Identify your language needs ahead of time • Update at least yearly • Different cultures express anxiety and show empathy differently • A smile can be used to show happiness, embarrassment, fear, tension, resignation, remorse etc. What the smile means depends on the 'type' being used. In the Thai language, there are 13 different words to indicate the type of smile.

  8. Keep in mind • Undocumented immigrants and non-citizens may choose to avoid government officials • Prior experience or practice of deportation • Be prepared to explain policy in their language • Rituals are important – prayers, amulets • Have clear and simple instructions printed in multiple languages ahead of time

  9. Keep in mind • Social – family structure • Gender Roles • Cultural and Religious Differences • View of authority figures • Non-citizens could be wrongfully denied recovery aid due to their immigration status or because they lost important immigration documents

  10. A smile and acceptance leads to a world full of clarity and connectedness.

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