Annie in wonderland

 Hi everyone, I've been reflecting a lot on the recent NDIS changes. As I went through the list, I found myself torn between thinking some cuts seem reasonable and questioning why certain things are being removed. On one hand, I see the need to reduce waste within the NDIA system, but on the other hand, some of these cuts are concerning. For those who are higher-functioning, caregivers legally responsible for someone with a disability, or providers, it's important to give feedback. We need to refocus on what is reasonable and necessary. Our taxes aren't unlimited, and it makes sense to remove items that lack scientific evidence of effectiveness. However, person-centered care should remain a priority. Some services, like certain health treatments, could be funded by the health department. If you want something like getting your nails done, that should be paid for out of pocket—just like everyone else. There are various ways to earn money, whether through a job, running a bus

    Ok so I know I am going to ruffel some feathers with this post but I this moring I saw several low support needs disabled induluals starting there content with the govement, is dooming us.   So the question is why is the govement dooming you to a life of poverty, I know we are all stressed about NDIS cut backs as it was never desined to be a catch all for everyone, and I   aggree with the concept of the teird system as it was supposed to be about supporting thoughs who where medically complex and   needed lots of support, I under block funding would never have qualified for support and I am greatfull for the NDIS. But what about self responsibility and determitation in disablity if your low support needs and have an interent connection your not doomed to a life of poverty, there is nothing stoping you from studying onlne and there is many accredited and no accredited courses out there, there is supported workshops and I understand that they have issues with under payment but they

 Thought: if sound can make people sick, or mentally unwell. As I live next door to a person who had a mental illness triggered by sound and not in the "it's mildly upsetting to me" but a really severe case of a sweet person with an intellectual disability to a person with behaviors of concern. Could it make you well? I haven’t really looked any further, but I think this is what a lot of new-age and alternative healers are looking at with their meditations. Research shows that certain sounds can indeed have a negative impact on health. For example, low-frequency noise and infrasound have been linked to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. This phenomenon, known as the "nocebo effect," is when negative expectations of harmless sounds cause adverse symptoms. Additionally, some sounds can make people very sick, such as in the case of Havana Syndrome, where the physical vibrations of sound caused severe health issues in individuals. But when they say

## Supporting Your Support Worker as a Higher Functioning Client Navigating the relationship between support workers and clients, especially those who are higher functioning, requires a nuanced approach. Disability is not a monolith; it encompasses a range of conditions, each with its unique challenges and needs. Understanding these types of disabilities is crucial for fostering a harmonious and effective working relationship. Here’s how higher functioning clients can support their support workers, ensuring a productive and respectful collaboration. ### Understanding Disability: A Spectrum of Needs Disabilities come in various forms, and each type affects individuals differently. Here’s a brief overview of different types of disabilities: 1. **Physical Disabilities**: These affect mobility, dexterity, or physical functioning. Examples include spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy, and cerebral palsy. 2. **Sensory Disabilities**: These impair one or more senses. Common examples are b

 I find the power dynamics in SIL (Supported Independent Living) houses challenging. I recognize that I have a lot of privileges, and I understand that there are things one must accept, but I was told these adjustments were short-term. To me, short-term means a couple of weeks to a month. I wonder if people realize the effect this has on me or if I am simply complaining. This past weekend, I requested that people not come into the house, but a newer support worker who was working next door arrived. This worker didn’t know where things were and seemed to not understand that it’s my home. When I push back, it’s because I am reaching my limits. This support worker and another client have behaviors of concern. I can understand someone coming over briefly to ask where things are, but I felt it was an excuse to come over rather than look for things themselves. This is one thing I find particularly frustrating: when I ask for things to be done and the response is to put earphones in because t

In a previous post, I may have seemed harsh on support workers, but social media awareness is essential for everyone involved: clients, their families, support staff, and agencies. If we're discussing social media, let's be accountable and suggest some solutions. There aren't any easy answers, but what's worth doing often isn't easy. We need to consider what we're sacrificing. For me, it’s my phone game time—not much, as it’s a time sink, but it’s also a time to rest. I have the luxury of internet access and a lot of freedom, so I've had to learn to use it wisely. I’ve lost jobs and caused harm to family and friends, which fuels my passion for internet safety. As someone born in 1984, I grew up in an analog world and witnessed the birth of the internet. During COVID lockdowns, I became addicted to the internet. Now, I actively monitor my internet time. There are other ways to learn, communicate, and connect with others. Plenty of low-cost or even free groups

There’s a concerning trend on TikTok where some support workers feel it's acceptable to publicly criticize higher-functioning clients. When clients push back or express concerns, they are often labeled as entitled. While entitlement can sometimes be an issue, such public criticisms devalue the profession. Burnout is very real for support workers, but so is the concept of masking for clients. Masking involves using neurotypical social skills, which can be exhausting and harmful when clients are not believed upon de-masking. This lack of belief can be exacerbated by support workers online who mistakenly see themselves as advocates without understanding that true allyship involves amplifying the voices of those they support. It’s important to recognize that the world has become more sensitive, and criticism should be taken constructively. However, some support workers with messiah complexes glamorize the industry and create a divisive environment by publicly criticizing others who may

  Australia's Overlooked Role in Nuclear History I was recently watching a Netflix documentary on the Manhattan Project, and it got me thinking. As an Australian, it's striking how often our own contributions to nuclear history and global conflicts are overlooked. While the documentary focused on the U.S. efforts, it made me wonder if producers at Netflix or other U.S.-based production companies are even aware of Australia's role in World War II, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and our significant involvement in nuclear testing. Australia played a crucial role in World War II, not just on the front lines but also as a testing ground for nuclear technologies. The British conducted nuclear tests on Australian soil, with sites like Maralinga becoming infamous. Yet, these projects are seldom mentioned in mainstream media. Instead, the narrative is dominated by stories from the U.S. and Europe. One often overlooked fact is that there were more bombs dropped on Darwin than on Pearl Har

This post is going to be a bit different. I’m not going to polish it with ChatGPT; instead, I'm using it to ensure I'm not breaching privacy or unintentionally being offensive. Here are the books I want to read, including some older ones, along with YouTubers who discuss these topics from different political perspectives. ### Books I Plan to Read: 1. **Freakonomics** by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner 2. **12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos** by Dr. Jordan B. Peterson 3. **The Gulag Archipelago** by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn 4. **Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies** by Jared Diamond 5. **How the Girl Guides Won the War** by Janie Hampton 6. **Manufacturing Consent: The Political Economy of the Mass Media** by Edward S. Herman and Noam Chomsky 7. **Exodus: A Memoir** by Deborah Feldman 8. **The Trap** by David Icke (Read with a critical mind) 9. **Sweet Poison: Why Sugar Makes Us Fat** by David Gillespie 10. **Tracking the White Salamander: The Story o

In an era dominated by digital information, media literacy is more crucial than ever. Understanding the differences between legacy media and new media, recognizing satire, navigating cancel culture, and being aware of media ownership and bias can help individuals make informed decisions and stay true to their beliefs. This blog post delves into these topics, offering insights on how to be a savvy media consumer. #### Legacy Media vs. New Media **Legacy Media:** Legacy media refers to traditional forms of media such as newspapers, television, and radio. These media outlets have been around for decades and are often characterized by: 1. **Gatekeeping:** Information is filtered through editors and producers, ensuring content meets certain standards. 2. **Credibility:** Established reputations often lend credibility to legacy media. 3. **Slower Pace:** News cycles are slower, with daily or weekly updates. 4. **Limited Interaction:** Audience engagement is minimal, typically limited to lett