Diversity Matters July 2006:  Cultural Diversity Advisory Committee Activities
(Milton Aponte, J.D-NCD Council Liaison; Gerrie Hawkins, Ph.D., Designated Federal Official)

While most people are relatively new in their positions on the Cultural Diversity Advisory Committee (CDAC), the members bring broad and rich experiences to NCD’s work. CDAC members have continued the work discussed with various federal and non-governmental entities and embraced by NCD as ongoing collaborative efforts aimed at raising awareness and suggesting ways to address the unmet needs of people with disabilities from diverse cultures.

As indicated in monthly policy updates, CDAC members have carried the banner for disability and diversity issues (e.g., as stakeholders for collaborative efforts such as several led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U. S. Department of Education). Based on collaboration with and requests by non-governmental human and civil rights organizations, CDAC has also “weighed in” regarding two pieces of pending federal legislation with potential disparate impact on underserved and unserved Americans, including people with disabilities.  

First, CDAC has proposed a letter to key Congressional contacts to encourage the reauthorization of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA). Tribal leaders, health, disability, and diversity experts have sought to update IHCIA since 1999 to counter a number of issues and challenges facing people in tribal communities, including youth, elders and people with disabilities.  Bills already introduced in the Senate (S.1057) and House (H.R. 5312) can go far to address needs such as service access (physical, mental, rehabilitation, substance abuse, long-term health services); awareness raising in ways that respect traditions and cultural beliefs; and consumer inclusion in system improvement planning (e.g., Indian Health Service).

In addition, CDAC has been engaged in dialogue about suggestions to NCD for proposed actions on Capitol Hill pertaining to the Voting Rights Act (VRA). Against an historical backdrop of unequal access and exclusions, CDAC members brought multiple concerns and passion to the discussion.  Now that the House has passed the VRA (the July 13, 2006 vote was 390 to 33) without diluting provisions for federal oversight, CDAC will concentrate on development of a cover letter addressed to the Senate Judiciary Committee Chair and to the Ranking Member to share NCD’s position supporting VRA (See http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/news/2006/r06-510.htm). Senate bill mark-up and movement will be expected the week of July 17, 2006.

Next Steps:  Outreach: Teaming with Congressional Liaison, Mark Seifarth CDAC will finalize its proposals and send them forward to the appropriate Council members for action. Communication:  Based on consultation with CDAC Chair and our recently added independent contractor, internal communication revitalization plans aim to aid new members in building “long distance” relationships. Challenges must be resolved since when processes are not aligned with honored cultural traditions of face-to-face contacts among many people from diverse cultures. Findings and recommendations across published reports and topics, plus NCD’s new studies are also ongoing points for discussion occurring among CDAC members electronically.

CDAC stands ready and welcomes information provided by Council work/study team leaders about future involvement with specific NCD priorities addressed thru agency studies/projects.