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What's a Service Navigator?
Our Service Navigator are at the forefront in providing comprehensive support to families facing unique challenges in caring for their children. Check out what they do below!
Assisting Families with
Diverse Backgrounds:
The Service Navigator specializes in working with families from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. They understand that each family's situation is unique and may be influenced by cultural norms, language barriers, and access to resources. Their role is to provide culturally sensitive assistance that respects and acknowledges these differences.
Cultural Competence and Sensitivity
Recognizing that cultural differences can affect how families perceive and access healthcare and disability services, the Service Navigator is culturally competent. They ensure that families feel understood and respected, bridging any cultural gaps that might exist in the healthcare system. We have an array of diverse Service Navigators, allowing us to offer services in Arabic, Urdu, Somali, Farsi and many more!
Connecting with
Appropriate Resources:
Children with disabilities often require a range of specialized services and support. The Service Navigator is adept at identifying and connecting families with the right resources that cater to the specific needs of the child and family. This includes accessing medical specialists, educational programs, therapy services, and community organizations.
Customized Guidance:
Every child with a disability is unique, and so are their family's needs. The Service Navigator provides customized guidance, taking into account the child's disability type, severity, and the family's cultural and social circumstances. This personalized approach ensures that families receive the most relevant information and support.
Building Trust and Rapport:
Establishing trust is crucial when working with families from diverse backgrounds. The Service Navigator fosters trust and rapport with families by actively listening, empathizing, and demonstrating a genuine commitment to helping. This helps families feel comfortable seeking assistance and guidance.
Breaking Down Cultural and Systemic Barriers:
Families from diverse backgrounds may face both cultural and systemic barriers in accessing services for their children with disabilities. The Service Navigator actively works to dismantle these barriers, whether they are related to language, discrimination, or lack of awareness about available resources.
Maintaining Ongoing Contact:
The journey of a family with a child with disabilities is ongoing, often spanning many years. The Service Navigator maintains regular contact with families to provide continuous support and assistance. This ensures that the family's needs are addressed as they evolve over time
Advocacy and Empowerment:
The Service Navigator not only guides families but also empowers them to advocate for their child's needs within the healthcare and education systems. They educate families about their rights, provide tools to self-advocate, and offer assistance when they encounter obstacles.
In 2024, The Ontario Trillium Foundation will support SMILE Canada in enhancing its resilience and sustainability by expanding the Service Navigation team. This expansion includes adding two service navigators who speak Urdu and Arabic to serve the growing and diverse community’s needs.
Service Navigation
Our Service Navigation team connects families with culturally responsive resources, offers guidance tailored to their needs, and maintains ongoing contact to ensure our families receive the support they require.Our service navigators offer support in English, Arabic, Urdu, Somali, Farsi and more upon request!
