Annie in wonderland

This is a big topic, and honestly, there are so many layers to it that I think it deserves a series. So let’s start at the beginning. Imagine you’re a support worker trying to educate people on the realities of your job—not the glossy, feel-good stories we often see online, but the actual, day-to-day challenges. You post a video about violence in the workplace, highlighting that no one goes to work expecting to be assaulted. This isn’t just about the support worker; these incidents also affect other clients and their families. In this case, the setting was a day center environment, which meant that everyone there was impacted. When support workers are pulled away from small groups to manage these incidents, lower-support-needs clients can end up unfairly left behind. Support work is meant to be about skill-building, and if someone is experiencing frequent meltdowns, we have to ask: should they even be in a day center environment until they can regulate their emotions more effectively? ...

he Netflix series Adolescence is a confronting yet necessary conversation starter about some of the most pressing issues of our time. It highlights the dark side of internet culture, toxic masculinity, and the breakdown of family and community structures. Watching it, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own experiences with online interactions, the dangers of parasocial relationships, and how unwise choices on the internet can have lasting consequences. The Dark Side of Internet Culture We often discuss the benefits of the internet, but Adolescence forces us to confront its dangers. The series exposes how young men, influenced by figures like Andrew Tate and the ‘red pill’ movement, can develop deeply problematic attitudes toward women. One of the central characters doesn’t even realize he has done anything wrong—he genuinely believes his behavior is acceptable. Meanwhile, his father is largely absent, failing to guide his son through the complexities of growing up in a hyper-connected w...

Telepathy—the concept of mind-to-mind communication—has long been the subject of fascination, skepticism, and controversy. But what happens when it intersects with real-world issues, particularly within the disability community? The Telepathy Tapes podcast explores these questions, delving into assisted communication methods for non-verbal individuals, the resistance to accepting these methods, and the broader implications for society. What is Telepathy? Telepathy is often dismissed as pseudoscience, but at its core, it challenges our understanding of communication. If telepathic abilities exist, what does this mean for non-verbal individuals, especially those with autism or other high-support needs? The concept forces us to reconsider how we communicate, perceive intelligence, and allocate resources. Some emerging scientific theories, such as quantum physics and neurology, suggest that communication may not be limited to spoken language or technology but could extend to brain wave in...

It's amazing how much time you get back when you're intentional about screen time. I can’t go completely screen-free, but I can be mindful of how much I watch and what I engage with. This is something to consider when creating a routine—taking into account your needs, existing supports, and whether you have access to paid support workers or the equivalent in your country. It’s also important to consider what you feel safe having them do. Yesterday, I had a moment that reminded me that, although I am higher functioning, I still need support. These posts serve as much as a reminder for me as they do for others—about routines, being responsible, knowing where your money is going (which I’ll cover in a follow-up post), and speaking up when things go wrong. There are people—both paid and unpaid—who will help if you're willing to advocate for yourself. One key factor in setting up a routine is having a consistent support team. If your care team is constantly changing, it can be f...

You’re right. I should have just started writing instead of repeating the plan. Here is the actual post. The Ultimate Cyclone Playlist You Shouldn’t Actually Play: Humour, Storm Preparation and What Happens When the Power Goes Out Cyclones are no joke. But sometimes, when the weather warnings start coming in, the maps get updated every few hours, and everyone is watching the sky, a little humour helps. This post originally started when Cyclone Alfred was approaching Queensland, with Brisbane, Toowoomba and surrounding areas preparing for possible impacts. People were charging phones, checking supplies, watching emergency updates, and wondering what the next few days would bring. When situations are stressful, humans have always used humour to cope. Sometimes you need a laugh while you are putting together the emergency kit. Sometimes you need something ridiculous to distract the kids. Sometimes you need to admit that hearing “cyclone warning” makes you immediately think of every disast...

Online spaces are an essential part of modern communication, offering people the ability to share ideas, find support, and build communities. However, these spaces need moderation to function effectively. Unfortunately, some people view moderation as censorship, when in reality, the two serve very different purposes. What Is Community Moderation? Community moderation is the process of setting and enforcing guidelines to ensure that online spaces remain safe, functional, and welcoming. Moderation can include removing harmful content, ensuring discussions remain on topic, and enforcing community standards. Moderation is not about silencing opinions—it is about maintaining the integrity of a space so that people can engage meaningfully without fear of harassment, misinformation, or harmful disruptions. Without moderation, platforms can quickly become chaotic, unsafe, or even legally liable for allowing harmful content. For a deeper dive into best practices for moderation, check out: 11 Be...