Annie in wonderland

   This is a back-to-basics post on what mobility aids are, with photos below of different types of wheelchairs used in various settings. I also want to cover some basic etiquette around mobility aids, as well as explain their unique functions in promoting independence. Types of Wheelchairs and Their Uses: Shower Wheelchair : This chair is designed to be used in the shower, allowing users to maintain their hygiene independently. Its water-resistant design and secure construction mean it can be safely used in wet environments. This aid promotes independence in personal care, reducing dependence on staff for daily needs. Hospital Chair : Often used in medical settings, hospital chairs provide safe and comfortable seating for people with temporary or long-term mobility needs. They’re built for easy maneuvering and support, allowing users to retain some mobility during their stay, with assistance as needed. Manual Wheelchair : This type of wheelchair is self-propelled, often givin...

   I am starting a new series, and I think it’s going to be highly relatable, for a long time I have suffered from poor-quality sleep, and as you can see from the title it’s going to be a bit obvious to what I am saying.   I have several disabilities and medical conditions, but then there are the things that I can control, as I am in a Sil house ( supported independent living), and due to me essentially being in a granny flat the first thing I can’t control is who is on a sleepover and if they come down or not as I do have some bad habits that I need to get out of, one has my phone in my room but I didn’t realize I have sensitive hearing and I can hear support staff doing final checks both upstairs and next door. I am trying to not reveal any sensitive information but it factors into why I am not sleeping well and having discussed this series with the head support worker we feel that it's ok to talk about the behaviour's of staff so people can see its impact and we can wo...

  An open letter to support staff and I want to say that this is not all support staff and care givers but I have to express this frustration that isn't just mine alone it is at boiling point when we have asked for change and the only way to get it is to wear the labels with pride, dignity and to not give up the fight.  If your having a negative reaction to this letter I would ask you to open your mind and heart and question why, as this is my lived experence of having " well trained expert,"s caring for me in my own home.    Dear Support Staff I understand that this is your job and I am your responsibility, but can I tell you my side of the story and why in your words I don’t “engage,” It is on your terms because of a myriad of reasons that I can understand yet when I speak up, directly to staff I am considered the problem, I live to hear and yet I am needing to put up with clients you favor when I am needing help. You seem to have no situational awareness to ho...

  Picture this: you're stuck in a system that's supposed to support you, but all it does is fall short at every turn. Your needs aren't being met, your voice isn't being heard, and the frustration is building with each passing day. Enter manifesting – the latest trend in self-care – offering a tantalizing escape route from your troubles. But here's the catch: your troubles aren't just going to vanish into thin air. They're deeply rooted in systemic failures, conveniently overlooked by the glittery facade of manifesting. Let's shine a light on the elephant in the room: NDIS agencies. These are supposed to be the lifelines for people with disabilities, providing essential support and services to improve their quality of life. But what happens when these agencies fail to deliver? What happens when the funding dries up, leaving clients stranded in a sea of unmet needs? For many, manifesting someone out of their life isn't just about convenience – it'...

  Hey all so when I started this blog I had know Idea what I was getting into, I didn’t realise how much work it would take, I was also in a housing situation that put stress on people in my personal life but now I have a bit of a handle on content creation and I am getting spam emails about leveling up my content. However, I have a bit of time on my hands so there won’t be new content for a while as I am going to focus on better quality content and brining several blogs into one so we say by to the brand and the long winded Annie in wonderland how to externe the NDIS and hollow to Annie in wonderland, on the blog. I am not leaving content creation but wanting to focus on some study to enable me to make better overall content weather it be the blog, you tube, rumble or the podcast. I am also learning some life skills and lessons that are valuable and never to late to learn. I am working on being able to be independent, but accepting care at the same time, and this is a hard o...

    So this has been on my mind for a while now and it’s the outright misinformation that is out there about disability and the NDIS, I am finding despite the chorus of content creators trying to educate people the legacy media seems to be louder and more persistent, but at the core lets be real the system is broken and we need to do better for everyone from support staff to Allied health professionals that write the reports to get us the funding we need at times that funding isn’t enough and then that is where the blame game starts around cost blowouts and people gaming the systems. So that brings me to the hairy end of the topic is the blame game and people thinking that participants have it easy( if you’re your decision maker it’s not) it can seem like a full-time job and this is where people get so wrong about who to blame as there is not an easy fix but there is several that are starting to emerge, the cost guide cap is a big one. Cracking down on dodgy providers and ...

  In the realm of disability discourse, language is a powerful tool that shapes perceptions and attitudes towards individuals with diverse abilities. Among the myriad of terms used to describe different aspects of disability, adjectives like "lower functioning," "higher functioning," and "behaviours of concern" have been subject to debate and scrutiny. However, there's a growing understanding that these adjectives serve a purpose in effectively communicating the unique experiences and support needs of individuals with disabilities. Rather than shying away from these terms, it's time to acknowledge their value and promote a more nuanced understanding of disability. First and foremost, it's essential to recognize that adjectives such as "lower functioning" and "higher functioning" are not inherently derogatory or demeaning. Instead, they are descriptive terms that provide important context about an individual's level of fu...

  In today's world, where discussions around disability and cultural differences are increasingly prevalent, the significance of language cannot be overstated. Words carry weight, shaping perceptions and attitudes towards individuals with disabilities. However, amidst this discourse, there's a growing concern about the policing of language by those who may lack real lived experience of disability. It's essential to navigate this terrain with compassion, understanding, and a genuine commitment to inclusivity. In Australia, terms like "higher functioning" and "lower functioning" are commonly used to describe individuals with disabilities. While these terms may be deemed acceptable within certain contexts, it's crucial to recognize the diversity and complexity of disability experiences. What might be acceptable to some may be offensive or reductive to others. As such, sensitivity and respect must guide our language choices. Moreover, beyond mere semanti...

Introduction: In the realm of caring for individuals with disabilities, striking a balance between the medical model and person-centered care is crucial. This holistic approach recognizes the multifaceted nature of human experience and aims to address the individual's unique needs while navigating behaviors of concern and challenging behaviors. In this blog post, we'll explore how the holistic model integrates both perspectives and offers comprehensive support for individuals with disabilities. Understanding the Medical Model vs. Person-Centered Care: The Medical Model: The medical model traditionally focuses on diagnosing and treating medical conditions or impairments. It views disability as a deficiency or deviation from the norm, often emphasizing medical interventions and symptom management. While this approach is valuable for addressing physical health concerns, it may overlook the broader psychosocial aspects of disability and the individual's preferences and autonomy...