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What am I missing why I don't do on the ground activism

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I’ve had a lot of questions lately about why I don’t dive into “on-the-ground activism” in the disability community. While I respect the passion behind it, my approach centers on accountability, respect for support staff, and a focus on the bigger picture. Here’s why I’ve chosen a different path. Accountability vs. Excuses In my experience, accountability is often misinterpreted as negativity. My approach emphasizes responsibility, transparency, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Yet, I’ve noticed that when I bring up the need for accountability in disability support structures, it often rubs some people the wrong way. Instead of acknowledging areas where we could improve, disagreements are often dismissed as ableist. But accountability isn’t criticism for the sake of it—it’s a crucial part of ensuring that services work as they should. Respecting Support Staff A big part of advocacy should be about building respect and understanding for support staff, who work hard within the l

The Hall of Spring Bluff: A Quiet Tribute to Love and Memory

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On our recent visit to Spring Bluff Railway Station, one spot held a particular magic: the old hall. It’s a place where countless couples have left their mark over the years, their names and dates scratched into the wood in quiet tribute to their love. Each inscription is a snapshot of a moment, perhaps a proposal, an anniversary, or just a day filled with joy. These names, while technically graffiti, add a special layer of charm and history to the space. Each one is a little love letter from the past, and the hall wouldn’t be the same without them. As you wander around Spring Bluff, it’s clear that this station has character at every turn. Just beside the hall, there’s an old tank—worn and slowly succumbing to time. Although it’s collapsing, removing it would mean taking away part of the charm that makes Spring Bluff feel so unique. It’s these aging structures, with their stories etched in rust and wood, that make Spring Bluff an irreplaceable piece of history. We’re already planning

A Day Out at Spring Bluff Railway Station: History, Nature, and a Bit of Romance

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  Over the weekend, I visited Spring Bluff Railway Station with friends and their teenage children. It was refreshing to see the teens willingly put their devices away and join us in exploring this historic gem, tucked away in the beautiful Lockyer Valley. Spring Bluff has been part of Queensland’s rail history since the 1860s. Though the station itself is now decommissioned, the line is still in use, giving visitors the occasional thrill of watching a train pass by. The signal boxes, which once guided trains up the steep grade, are now like guardians of the past, adding to the nostalgic charm of the place. One of the unique aspects of Spring Bluff is its big hall, where couples have left their names etched into the wood over the years. While technically graffiti, this tradition has become part of the station’s story, a quiet testament to decades of memories made here. There’s a sweet, almost romantic feel to seeing those names and dates, as if each one captures a piece of history. It

Appropate clothes for support workers Spring and Summer

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As we reach the end of the academic year here in Australia, with schools and universities wrapping up from January to December, it’s a great time to revisit this post. For those considering career options, the disability care industry continues to grow, especially for those with a car, common sense, and the ability to pass a background check. With a Blue Card (for working with children) and a Yellow Card (for working with people with disabilities), it’s possible to secure a job quickly. It’s encouraging to see new requirements that mandate a qualification after six months in the industry, though there’s room to improve training on essential topics like medication management and nutrition. One area I find particularly important is dress code, as it can vary widely among agencies. Many agencies lack specific uniforms or have vague dress codes, leading to a range of clothing choices in the field. I’ve seen all kinds of attire, from appropriate to very questionable. For example, I've e