Description:

This committee serves as a forum to address issues experienced by TASH Members, families and adults who are racially, linguistically, culturally diverse, teachers (general and Special Education), Higher Education, services providers and others.  The committee offers a forum for sharing ideas and exchanging information. In addition the committee has addressed the need for presentations at the annual TASH conference that address the needs of immigrants, refugees and families of color and the agencies and individuals who serve them.

The Multicultural committee has long recognized the need to have TASH membership and Board members represent the increasing diversity of the US population.  Members of the Multicultural committee have worked hard to increase participation and full representation at the annual conferences and general membership.

The need for translated materials, welcoming, special sessions and town meetings is of key concern at every conference is recognized by this committee.

At a minimum increased cultural competency by national and local organizations is important to this committee. 

Current Hot Topics of the Multicultural Committee:

• The need inclusive educational materials in various languages
• Discrepancy in service delivery and education for non English speaking and people of color
• Collecting and sharing information to decrease the constant need for translated materials (how to collect and how to share)
• Better representation of people (families, adults, professionals) who are culturally diverse in TASH and at the annual Conference recognizing the need for financial support especially for families
• Recruitment at the University level of faculty and students who are bi-lingual and b-cultural
• Cultural Competency training that is effective
• Better understanding of the Complex issues of immigrants and refugees 
• What about Native Americans and First Nation people?
• Do we need a committee list serv and if so who and how will it operate
• Developing a membership list so we can work on revitalizing the whole committee

Accomplishments over past two years: 

• Increased participation of families and professionals of color and linguistic diversity at annual conferences (Seattle more so than Baltimore)
• Quality sessions on multicultural issues at the conferences
• Resources for students, families and professionals
• Greater recognition and interest by TASH membership and Board
• Identification of New Co-Chair for the Committee

Get Involved!

 The MULTICULTURAL ISSUES COMMITTEE is looking for new members who are interested and concerned about full membership and participation of people of all colors, languages, and cultural backgrounds.  

• Share your experiences, materials, ideas
• Get this committee moving and addressing important issues
• Be a part of planning and putting together an exciting issue of connections
• Get serious about making our listserv a reality
• Meet others who care about full inclusion and what it takes to make it real
• Have fun sharing and being together (and eating great food wherever we are)

Other Committees: 
International Committee
Communication Issues Committee
Personnel Preparation Committee
Positive Behavior Supports Committee