Annie in wonderland

Certainly! Here's the revised version with that addition: --- **The Balance of Risk and Benefit in Disability: Understanding the Importance of Calculated Risks** Living with a disability often means that people around you—family, support workers, or even medical professionals—may prioritize safety and duty of care. While safety is essential, it’s also important to recognize that not all risk is bad. In fact, calculated risks can lead to significant learning opportunities and personal growth. Striking the right balance between risk management, duty of care, and the potential benefits of taking a risk is key to developing independence and enhancing life experiences. ### Why Calculated Risks Matter A calculated risk is not about being reckless; it’s about weighing the potential benefits against the risks and making an informed decision. For individuals with disabilities, taking risks—like trying a new task independently or stepping outside of their comfort zone—can help build skills a

When we think of work skills, we often picture technical abilities, formal qualifications, or years of specialized training. But the truth is, many of the skills we use in everyday life are just as valuable in the workplace, even if we don’t immediately recognize them as such. Whether it's doing household chores, communicating effectively, or understanding basic processes, these are all crucial skills that can translate into professional success. For individuals with disabilities, there are unique challenges but also potential advantages in approaching work with a fresh perspective. ### 1. Housework Skills Managing a household requires a range of skills that are directly applicable to the workforce. Housework teaches time management, organization, and problem-solving—all key skills for any job. - **Cleaning and Tidying**: Keeping a workspace clean is an essential habit in almost every job. It shows discipline, attention to detail, and respect for the environment and colleagues. - *

Hygiene is a deeply personal aspect of daily life, but for those with hidden or psychosocial disabilities, maintaining it can be challenging in ways that others may not immediately understand. Whether due to trauma, sensory overload, or mental health factors, everyday tasks like showering, brushing teeth, or taking care of personal cleanliness can feel overwhelming. ### The Impact of Hidden Disabilities on Hygiene Hidden disabilities such as anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, or sensory processing issues can often make basic hygiene tasks difficult. These struggles aren’t always obvious, which can lead to misunderstanding or judgment from others. For some, the feeling of water on the skin can be distressing, while for others, the effort required to focus on self-care during depressive episodes feels insurmountable. These barriers are real and deserve recognition and support. ### Why Prompts and Education Matter A common misconception is that individuals with hidden disabili

Why the NDIS Needs a Deficits-Based Funding System The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was designed to support people with disabilities in accessing the services they need to live more independent lives. However, there’s a growing concern that the current funding structure, which leans heavily on skills-based assessments, isn’t providing the most effective support. What we truly need is a deficits-based funding system—where funding is tied to a person’s limitations, with support focused on building the necessary skills to improve quality of life. The Flaws of a Skills-Based Funding System At first glance, a skills-based system may seem logical—funding is allocated based on what people can already do. However, this approach overlooks the reality that many participants need support precisely because of what they cannot do without assistance. It assumes that everyone has a certain baseline of ability, and the funding builds from there, which is simply not the case for many pe

Hey everyone! I’m excited to share that my content platforms are growing, which is fantastic. As the NDIS evolves and support work becomes more common, I’ve noticed some agencies opt not to use uniforms for privacy reasons. So, how do you present yourself professionally without a set uniform? Dress Appropriately for the Shift First and foremost, dress for the type of shift you're scheduled for. What you wear for a group day trip might be very different from a personal care shift. Keep in mind that personal care can happen at any time, so it’s essential to always be prepared. Having a change of clothes or a "go bag" in your car—or keeping one at a Supported Independent Living (SIL) facility or group home—can be a lifesaver. It’s also a good idea to have some snacks stashed away for long or unexpected shifts. Consider the Weather and Organization Culture When dressing for your shift, remember to dress for the weather. Whether it’s hot, cold, or raining, you'll want to b