Annie in wonderland

I’ve had a lot of questions lately about why I don’t dive into “on-the-ground activism” in the disability community. While I respect the passion behind it, my approach centers on accountability, respect for support staff, and a focus on the bigger picture. Here’s why I’ve chosen a different path. Accountability vs. Excuses In my experience, accountability is often misinterpreted as negativity. My approach emphasizes responsibility, transparency, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Yet, I’ve noticed that when I bring up the need for accountability in disability support structures, it often rubs some people the wrong way. Instead of acknowledging areas where we could improve, disagreements are often dismissed as ableist. But accountability isn’t criticism for the sake of it—it’s a crucial part of ensuring that services work as they should. Respecting Support Staff A big part of advocacy should be about building respect and understanding for support staff, who work hard within the l

As we reach the end of the academic year here in Australia, with schools and universities wrapping up from January to December, it’s a great time to revisit this post. For those considering career options, the disability care industry continues to grow, especially for those with a car, common sense, and the ability to pass a background check. With a Blue Card (for working with children) and a Yellow Card (for working with people with disabilities), it’s possible to secure a job quickly. It’s encouraging to see new requirements that mandate a qualification after six months in the industry, though there’s room to improve training on essential topics like medication management and nutrition. One area I find particularly important is dress code, as it can vary widely among agencies. Many agencies lack specific uniforms or have vague dress codes, leading to a range of clothing choices in the field. I’ve seen all kinds of attire, from appropriate to very questionable. For example, I've e

This is a post I've been delaying, but here are my thoughts on the NDIS changes. My thoughts are many and varied, but the reforms are a very mixed bag. People need to understand that the reforms came through for a reason, and that reason is the misuse of the system and instances of fraud. What's been amusing to me is seeing the “advocates” coming out of the woodwork—people I’ve never heard of—claiming to be allies with us. There are some amazing advocates out there, both on the internet and worldwide, but some of these newcomers are blogging on LinkedIn about “foundational support.” I admit, I misunderstood at first, but they were talking about non-NDIS support. The big question is: where is the money coming from if it's for people who don’t qualify for the NDIS? Is it going to come from the state or federal government? The NDIS was supposed to level the playing field, and that involves having barriers to entry. We need to differentiate between a health condition and a disa

 I’ve talked quite openly about my health and disabilities, and people in my personal life have seen some unwise and unthought-out content I’ve shared. I can see where the pushback comes from, and I acknowledge that a lot of healing has been done in my personal life. But why do I talk about these issues so often and so publicly on the internet? Honestly, I started this blog focusing on media and touched a little on disability, but I couldn't keep up as so much was changing in my life. I naturally started talking more about what I knew—disability and the NDIS—because there wasn’t much content from people with lived experience in Australia. While many providers use social media for promotion, I take pride in being independent. For me, it's about myth-busting what disability looks like. I’ve even had to reevaluate my own thoughts and expectations of myself. I’ve realized that disability isn’t a dirty word. By speaking out about my experiences, I can build a community that doesn’t

 In support work, knowing your clients is key to providing effective and respectful care. This begins with reading their care plans before meeting them, asking thoughtful questions, observing their responses, and understanding their living situations. Your role is to work with their environment, not against it—a principle that some support staff, unfortunately, overlook. Take, for instance, clients who live in a family home. It's important to build a professional relationship with the family while recognizing that supporting the client means, to some extent, supporting the family as well. At the same time, situational awareness is critical—you must know your boundaries. Helping clients with tasks, like chores, is part of fostering their independence. However, it's equally important not to overstep and be seen as the housekeeper. In cases where the family or client has the necessary funding, suggesting they hire a cleaner might be a more appropriate solution. Situational awarene

 This topic only scratches the surface of something that affects the disability community in a specific way. Infantilization can be seen as a form of discrimination, but some people may view it as uninformed caregiving. Either way, if you're a paid caregiver, it’s crucial to be aware of how infantilization can cause frustration, particularly when working with medium to low support needs clients. Frustration often leads to what the industry calls “difficult and challenging behaviors.” But these behaviors aren’t random—they have causes, and one significant cause is frustration. Everything I’ve read about managing challenging behaviors in the disability sector emphasizes that it’s not about the caregiver. The way a caregiver reacts can make a situation better or worse. This is where situational awareness becomes critical. Understanding the root causes of frustration helps identify triggers—real triggers, not the casual "I was triggered at work today" kind, but genuine clini

Preparing for Emergencies: A Framework for Supporting People with Disabilities This is not going to be an exhaustive list, but in Australia, we need to be honest with ourselves as we head into extreme weather season. This includes, but isn’t limited to, storms, severe wind, bushfires, extreme heat, and—though I’m loathe to mention it—manmade incidents. This post is aimed at carers and supporters of people with disabilities. It’s not exhaustive, but it offers a framework to get you thinking about what needs to happen in an emergency. Key Considerations: Support Needs & Emergency Plans The first thing to consider is the person’s support needs. Do they have a care package? Does the agency or support worker (whether through a platform or an independent worker) have an emergency plan for the client? It's much better to be prepared than to scramble when a situation arises. Potential Challenges Depending on the emergency, a person with a disability might be cut off from regular suppor

So, I know that I have been neglecting the blog and using ChatGPT far too much, and I know people can see that. However, it is a tool—a very new tool—and we don’t yet know what the long-term implications are. Here's why I’ve been neglecting the blog, and there are a couple of reasons for it. The most important is that I’ve been spending quality time with the people in my life who are important to me. The second reason is that the podcast is taking off, which is amazing. It’s also wonderful to see the support from guests who are willing to give up their time. A special shoutout to Debbi Lund for being a regular guest! Another reason is that I can reach a wider audience on YouTube, which is also taking off, but it’s impacting my margins of time and priorities. However, I’m now at a place where I can refocus and get organized. For me, part of that means carving out time for the blog again. Additionally, the platform I use for blogging makes it hard to get monetized. To be honest, the

Understanding the Recent NDIS Changes: What They Mean for Clients The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has undergone significant legislative changes, and it’s important to understand how these will impact clients moving forward. These changes were introduced through the NDIS Amendment (Participant Service Guarantee and Other Measures) Act 2022 and reflect updates designed to streamline services, enhance participant outcomes, and prepare for the future of disability support. In addition to these changes, discussions around the role of support coordinators evolving into navigators are a key feature in the National Disability Roadmap . In this post, we’ll break down the most significant changes to the NDIS, what the potential shift to navigators means, and how this fits into the overall disability support strategy. 1. Participant Service Guarantee The Participant Service Guarantee is a cornerstone of the recent NDIS changes, ensuring quicker and clearer processes for decisi

What Does a Support Worker Look Like to You? When it comes to choosing a support worker, the most important thing is understanding what you need. The right support worker for one person may not be the right fit for another. But here’s the key takeaway: there’s no such thing as a bad support worker—just people who may not be suited to the industry or to your specific needs. Support work is a profession where personalities, communication styles, and expectations must align. If they don’t, it’s not necessarily because the worker is "bad." They might simply be better suited to a different client or a different role. Watch this insightful video on what it means to have the right kind of support and how to figure out what works for you. What Are Your Needs? Before hiring a support worker, reflect on what your specific needs are. This helps ensure you're finding the right person for the job. Ask yourself: What are the tasks I need help with? Whether it’s personal care, transpo

The Dark Side of Disability Advocacy: Inclusivity, Hierarchies, and Respect for Different Journeys Disability advocacy is a crucial movement that seeks to uplift marginalized voices, promote inclusivity, and ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are met. However, as with any movement, there are areas of concern that, if left unaddressed, can create harm within the very community advocacy seeks to protect. Issues like hierarchy, exclusion, and manipulation are all too common and must be discussed if we are to build a truly inclusive space for all. The Hierarchy of Disability: Exclusion of Hidden Disabilities One of the most concerning aspects within disability advocacy is the development of an unspoken hierarchy—where individuals with visible or more severe disabilities often dominate the conversation, leaving those with hidden or higher-functioning disabilities feeling excluded. This hierarchy is not only harmful but also counterproductive to the goals of true inclusivity.

 What would a good independent support worker look like to me? Some support workers, whether independent or agency-based, are, let's just say, not suited to the industry. What I consider ineffective support might be exactly what someone else needs. This isn’t a new industry, but it is a booming one, and that’s the issue. Some agencies tolerate ineffective staff because they struggle to attract well-trained, effective staff—and that’s a cost to them. It’s important to remember that funding for support doesn’t only come from the NDIS. There’s also state funding, superannuation (retirement plans), and programs like hospital-at-home. Each of these can provide different types of support depending on the circumstances. Common sense needs to be applied on both sides—service providers and clients—so that these systems are more inclusive and effective for everyone. With the legislation changes, I’m glad that support workers will be required to have qualifications. This is a good thing. In m

Hey all,  I had a planning meeting today with my Support Coordinator (SC) and some people in my personal life. It went well, aside from a moment when they asked about how much toilet paper I had since they were doing a Costco run. I'm considering getting my own membership, but I’m grateful for the support they offer. Many people with disabilities don’t have the benefit of informal supports—those who back you up, help you destress, and give you the option to either collaborate or have alone time. Paid support is important, but we must remember that it's a job for them at the end of the day. They're paid to be kind and to care. I feel incredibly blessed to have supportive people in my life. It's a big deal—having a child with a disability, who inevitably becomes an adult with a disability. While some may have low support needs, it’s rare for someone to simply grow out of their disability. It can happen, but it’s not common. Having a disabled child, alongside other sibling

 Hey all so I  have had some feedback and this is part two I think it's going to be a fun one to do and feel free to add more in the comments, of theme songs as well.  Support work and community nursing require a balance of patience, skill, and dedication. But who says you can’t have a bit of fun along the way? We’ve compiled another round of playful yet respectful songs that capture the different aspects of your job. These tracks will keep things light while also connecting to the important work you do – from nutrition support to occupational therapy. #### **1. Nutrition Support – *Fruit Salad* by The Wiggles**   "Fruit salad, yummy yummy!" This catchy song from The Wiggles is a fun and educational way to encourage healthy eating habits. It’s perfect for clients who need a reminder about the importance of incorporating fruits into their daily meals! #### **2. Nutrition Support – *Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)* by Harry Belafonte**   "Hey, Mister Tally Man, tally me b

 Here's a satire post inspired by the social dynamics of day centers for adults with disabilities, channeling that witty, observant tone: --- **Welcome to Day Centers: Where the Pecking Order is as Real as High School**   *(But With Less Homework and More Craft Supplies)* Ah, day centers—a place for support, community, and occasionally, the most **high school-like** hierarchy you’ve ever seen in a room full of adults Absolutely! Let’s merge the day center dynamics into the existing "rules" blog post for support workers and community nurses, maintaining that witty, Simon Whistler-inspired tone. -- **The *Totally Real* Updated Guide to Support Workers, Community Nurses, and Day Centers**   *(Because Apparently, We Needed More Rules)* Welcome back to the world of **support workers** and **community nurses**—where the rules are oddly specific because, well, someone has already lived through the chaos. Now, let’s expand this guide to include **day centers for adults with disab

Every day is a new journey in the world of support work and community nursing. What better way to capture those moments than with a playlist that fits the vibe of each task? From housing duties to night shifts, here’s a soundtrack that’ll keep you going through it all. **Housing** – *All the Small Things* by Blink-182   For all the tiny tasks that keep things running smoothly, from missing slippers to remembering the milk. Small things matter! **Day Centers** – *Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous* by Good Charlotte   On those long days, you might imagine trading in for a life with no paperwork and a little more luxury. You deserve it, right? **Day Trips** – *On the Road Again* by Willie Nelson   Nothing captures the joy and unpredictability of day trips like this classic. Whether it’s a road trip to a local park or a big outing, you’re always back on the road again! **Sail-Ability** – *We Go Sailing* by Rod Stewart   For days on the water, this song brings in the perfect sea breeze vibe

Protecting Support Workers and Clients: A Balanced Approach In the world of support work, safeguarding the well-being of both support workers and clients is essential. Abuse can happen on either side, and it’s crucial to have strategies in place to ensure a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. This post outlines key steps that both support workers and clients can take to protect themselves and one another, with a focus on documentation, education, relationship-building, and financial protection.  Protecting Support Workers from Abuse Support work can be emotionally and physically demanding. While most relationships between clients and workers are positive, there are times when boundaries can be crossed. Support workers need to protect themselves from potential abuse by following these guidelines: 1. **Document Everything** Documentation is one of the most powerful tools to protect yourself from false allegations or disputes. - **Daily notes**: Write detailed reports at the end