Annie in wonderland

  Put In the Work This started because I saw a video on TikTok. A teenager was arguing that the word scrying was ableist because they didn’t know what it meant. And my first thought was simple: Look it up. Not because I’m dismissing struggle. But because that’s how learning works. And that’s where I think we’re getting confused. Somewhere along the line, we’ve started mixing up difficulty and discrimination . Those are not the same thing. Difficulty is when something is hard to do, understand, or overcome. Discrimination—like ableism—is when barriers or prejudice exist because of disability. And yes, ableism is real. And it isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it’s overt. Sometimes it’s structural. Sometimes it’s a lack of access, support, or accommodation. That matters. But not knowing a word? That’s not discrimination. That’s learning. And learning starts in a very uncomfortable place: Not knowing. You don’t know what you know until you know what you don’t know. And that’s okay. Tha...

  Media Literacy, Critical Thinking and Why Difficult Conversations Matter One thing I’ve been thinking about a lot lately is media literacy and the importance of critical thinking — especially in the disability and support sectors. We live in a time where people are constantly surrounded by information, opinions, headlines, short-form videos, outrage cycles, and algorithm-driven content. Because of that, I think it’s more important than ever that people learn how to step back, ask questions, and think critically about what they are watching and hearing. That doesn’t mean blindly accepting everything someone says. In fact, it means the opposite. Critical thinking means listening, questioning, researching, comparing viewpoints, and deciding where you personally stand. I think people like Warren Smith are valuable in that sense because they encourage people to think deeper about media narratives, communication, and how information is presented to us. Whether you agree with every poin...

  Media Literacy, Critical Thinking and Why Difficult Conversations Matter One thing I’ve been thinking about a lot lately is media literacy and the importance of critical thinking — especially in the disability and support sectors. We live in a time where people are constantly surrounded by information, opinions, headlines, short-form videos, outrage cycles, and algorithm-driven content. Because of that, I think it’s more important than ever that people learn how to step back, ask questions, and think critically about what they are watching and hearing. That doesn’t mean blindly accepting everything someone says. In fact, it means the opposite. Critical thinking means listening, questioning, researching, comparing viewpoints, and deciding where you personally stand. I think people like Warren Smith are valuable in that sense because they encourage people to think deeper about media narratives, communication, and how information is presented to us. Whether you agree with every poin...

  Disability support plays a vital role in the lives of many individuals, families, and communities worldwide. Whether you’re a client, family member, support worker, or simply interested in learning more, understanding how disability support systems work—and why ethics matter—helps us all contribute to safer, more respectful care. A Note on the Journey Living with or supporting someone with a disability can involve days that are challenging, frustrating, or overwhelming. This is part of the human experience—one that deserves patience, kindness, and honesty. This post aims to share insights openly and respectfully, helping us grow stronger together. Disability Support Systems Around the World Disability support looks different everywhere, influenced by culture, law, and resources. Here’s a brief overview: Australia’s NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme): Focuses on personalized support with options for self-management, though recent changes like Foundational Suppo...

From Locked Gates to Community Belonging: Real Voices on Disability Care Support in disability and aged care has come a long way—from institutions and asylums to person-led care and community inclusion. But even now, how we design support still depends on the model we’re using—whether consciously or not. These models don’t just affect policies and funding. They shape how people are treated, how they feel about themselves, and what kind of future they can imagine. And while we often focus on modern best practice, it’s important to know where these models came from—and how echoes of the past still influence the present. 🧙‍♀️ Disability in Folklore and Fairy Tales Before we had formal systems or scientific diagnoses, societies used stories to explain difference—and those stories often weren’t kind. Changelings: In European folklore, a changeling was a child believed to have been swapped by fairies—often because the child behaved differently, didn’t speak, or didn’t make eye c...

 Here's the updated full post with your additions merged into the history section. I've double-checked for privacy and sensitive info — nothing personal or identifiable is included, so it's safe for public posting. 🌍 Tipping Points, Truth-Telling, and Trusting What You Feel: A Guide for Unsteady Times Trigger Warning: This post discusses feelings of anxiety, climate change, geopolitical events, and emotional well-being. If these topics are distressing, please take care of yourself and consider seeking support from trusted professionals or loved ones. Feeling Unsteady in an Unsteady World? Lately, many people are noticing a growing sense of restlessness or unease — whether it’s trouble sleeping, a feeling that the world is shifting, or worries about climate change and global events. These feelings are valid, and you are not alone. This post explores how to be honest with yourself and your support team, protect your peace, and find ways to navigate change without fea...

A Great Day Out at the Ipswich Nature Centre – Free, Fun, and Full of Surprises Looking for a budget-friendly day out that ticks all the boxes — accessible, relaxing, fun, and educational? The Ipswich Nature Centre in Queens Park is one of those hidden gems that makes for a perfect outing for all ages. Whether you're a support worker planning a group activity , a parent looking for affordable school holiday ideas , or just someone needing a nature fix, this spot has something for everyone. 🌏 For Our International Readers Ipswich is a regional city in Queensland, Australia , about 40 minutes’ drive west of Brisbane , the state capital. If you're not from Australia and you're curious where all this is happening, here are some helpful links: 📍 Ipswich Nature Centre on Google Maps 🌿 Queens Park, Ipswich 🦘 Where is Queensland? (Google Maps) 🌏 Where is Australia on the world map? If you're ever planning a visit down under, Ipswich is a warm and wel...

Support Is More Than a Service — It’s a Network of Real People Good support isn’t simply about ticking boxes or having a list of services attached to your plan. It’s about the people around you. Real, caring individuals who contribute in different ways, coming together to help you live your best life. This network might include: Family — They often know your history, your likes and dislikes, and can sometimes anticipate your needs without words. Even if physical distance or circumstances like lockdowns keep you apart, family can be a source of grounding and comfort. And yes, families can argue — but in healthy families, those arguments are part of a larger pattern of communication and repair. Families can help teach and model communication. That’s powerful. Friends — These are your chosen family. They support you emotionally, listen when you need to talk, celebrate your wins, and stand by you during setbacks. Good friends accept you as you are, without judgment or unrealistic expecta...