Annie in wonderland

  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 the intricate dance of navigating life with invisible disabilities, there's a crucial partner often overlooked: support workers. These individuals play a vital role in providing assistance and ensuring that those with disabilities can navigate daily life with as much ease as possible. However, when support workers fail to understand the unique needs of individuals like myself, it can lead to frustration and challenges that could easily be avoided. Let's take a closer look at my own experience. Living with ADHD, epilepsy, minimal brain damage, Shojrin's syndrome, and peripheral neuropathy presents its fair share of obstacles. Yet, it's not just the disabilities themselves that pose challenges; it's the lack of understanding from those tasked with providing support. Despite my efforts to communicate my needs, some support workers have struggled to grasp the nuances of my disabilities. For instance, ADHD isn't just about being easily distracted; it encompasses...

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...

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness and advocacy for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. With government-funded support services like the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in place, individuals with disabilities have gained greater access to necessary resources and care. However, amidst this progress, it's crucial to address a concerning trend – the expectation for individuals to share their NDIS or care plans with strangers, often without proper consideration for privacy or compensation for expertise. Privacy is a fundamental right for everyone, including people with disabilities. NDIS or care plans are sensitive documents outlining a person's needs, goals, and support requirements. Sharing such personal information with strangers, particularly those who aren't directly involved in providing care or support, can pose risks to privacy and confidentiality. Moreover, many individuals with disabilities face challenges in society, inc...

  Title: Exploring the Link Between Epilepsy, Parasomnias, and Nocturnal Eating Introduction: Living with epilepsy entails navigating various challenges, from managing seizures to addressing associated conditions like parasomnias and nocturnal eating behaviors. These intertwined issues can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, requiring a comprehensive understanding and tailored approaches for effective management. In this blog post, we delve into the connections between epilepsy, parasomnias, and nighttime eating, exploring their complexities and offering insights for those affected. Understanding Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, which are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain. Seizures can manifest in various forms, ranging from brief lapses in awareness to convulsions and loss of consciousness. While the exact causes of epilepsy can vary, factors such as genetics, brain injury, infections, and ...