Annie in wonderland

Hello, everyone! I wanted to take a moment to update you on what’s been happening in my life lately. A lot has been going on, and I’ve been reflecting on some of the changes, challenges, and growth I’ve experienced. ### Embracing Change and Finding Stability Over the past few months, I’ve been navigating significant changes in my routine and support structure. One of the biggest adjustments has been finding stability in my day-to-day life. As many of you know, living in a Supported Independent Living (SIL) home comes with its own set of challenges. I’ve learned that having a stable roster and a well-mapped-out day, week, and month is crucial for my sense of safety and well-being. When everything is predictable, it’s easier to relax and focus on personal growth. After all, if I don’t feel safe at home, where will I ever feel truly safe? ### Improving Health and Setting Boundaries I’m happy to report that my health has been getting better. It’s been a long journey, but I’m seeing positiv

In the world of disability support, the truth isn't always straightforward. For many individuals, particularly those with a history of trauma, lying can be a survival mechanism—a way to cope with a world that often fails to believe them. In this post, we'll dive into the complexities of lying as a trauma response, explore why it's crucial for organizations to take these lies seriously, and discuss how to foster a culture of trust and understanding. We’ll also reference a compelling [YouTube video](https://youtu.be/wnUmCJDZJ6E) that sheds light on the intersection of disability and truth-telling, providing further insight into why lies occur and how organizations can better respond. **Lies as a Trauma Response: A Deeper Understanding** Lying is often seen in a negative light, associated with deceit and manipulation. However, for many individuals with disabilities, lying can be a trauma response—a means of self-protection. This behavior is particularly common among those who

In the world of support work, the ability to read the room and understand the unspoken needs of clients is not just a skill—it's a necessity. One aspect that often gets overlooked is the assumption that a client wearing headphones all the time is simply addicted to the internet. But what if that's not the case? For some people, headphones aren't a luxury or a sign of disinterest—they're a survival tool. Many individuals with sensory sensitivities use headphones to create a buffer between themselves and an overwhelming world. Whether it's the constant hum of white noise or specific calming music, these auditory aids can be essential for coping with everyday life. In certain situations, like living in a townhouse where noise travels easily, clients may be avoiding you, not because of disinterest, but because they are overwhelmed by the noise. Being loud and bubbly isn't always the right approach, especially when your client is using headphones to manage their envi

 Social Media Guidelines and Support Workers' Ethics: The Trend of Not Buying Things for Clients In the world of support work, ethics and boundaries are crucial. With the rise of social media, there's been an increasing trend among support workers to refrain from buying items for their clients. The reasoning behind this trend is well-founded: it aims to maintain professional boundaries, prevent any misunderstandings, and avoid the potential for dependency. However, this approach isn't without its challenges, especially when it comes to items that a support worker might be getting rid of or no longer needs. #### The Ethics Behind Not Buying Items for Clients Support workers are in a unique position where their role often blurs the line between professional and personal relationships. Buying items for a client can create an imbalance of power, where the client may feel indebted or the support worker may feel an obligation to continue providing. This can lead to complications,

Introduction Finding the right support worker goes beyond just matching qualifications. It's about connecting with someone who genuinely understands and cares about your needs—someone with a passion for helping others. In this post, I'll explore what makes support truly effective and why you should be on the lookout for the 'fan girl'—the ones who go to Comic-Con, Taylor Swift concerts, or obsess over their favorite shows. What Makes Support Good or Bad? Support isn't just about checking off tasks on a list; it's about how those tasks are executed. Good support workers combine technical skills with empathy, creating an environment where you feel truly understood and cared for. In contrast, bad support can leave you feeling like just another item on someone's to-do list, lacking the personal touch that makes you feel valued. This difference can significantly impact your overall well-being and progress. The Importance of Soft Skills While technical skills are