Annie in wonderland

Hello, everyone! I wanted to take a moment to update you on what’s been happening in my life lately. A lot has been going on, and I’ve been reflecting on some of the changes, challenges, and growth I’ve experienced. ### Embracing Change and Finding Stability Over the past few months, I’ve been navigating significant changes in my routine and support structure. One of the biggest adjustments has been finding stability in my day-to-day life. As many of you know, living in a Supported Independent Living (SIL) home comes with its own set of challenges. I’ve learned that having a stable roster and a well-mapped-out day, week, and month is crucial for my sense of safety and well-being. When everything is predictable, it’s easier to relax and focus on personal growth. After all, if I don’t feel safe at home, where will I ever feel truly safe? ### Improving Health and Setting Boundaries I’m happy to report that my health has been getting better. It’s been a long journey, but I’m seeing positiv

In the world of disability support, the truth isn't always straightforward. For many individuals, particularly those with a history of trauma, lying can be a survival mechanism—a way to cope with a world that often fails to believe them. In this post, we'll dive into the complexities of lying as a trauma response, explore why it's crucial for organizations to take these lies seriously, and discuss how to foster a culture of trust and understanding. We’ll also reference a compelling [YouTube video](https://youtu.be/wnUmCJDZJ6E) that sheds light on the intersection of disability and truth-telling, providing further insight into why lies occur and how organizations can better respond. **Lies as a Trauma Response: A Deeper Understanding** Lying is often seen in a negative light, associated with deceit and manipulation. However, for many individuals with disabilities, lying can be a trauma response—a means of self-protection. This behavior is particularly common among those who

In the world of support work, the ability to read the room and understand the unspoken needs of clients is not just a skill—it's a necessity. One aspect that often gets overlooked is the assumption that a client wearing headphones all the time is simply addicted to the internet. But what if that's not the case? For some people, headphones aren't a luxury or a sign of disinterest—they're a survival tool. Many individuals with sensory sensitivities use headphones to create a buffer between themselves and an overwhelming world. Whether it's the constant hum of white noise or specific calming music, these auditory aids can be essential for coping with everyday life. In certain situations, like living in a townhouse where noise travels easily, clients may be avoiding you, not because of disinterest, but because they are overwhelmed by the noise. Being loud and bubbly isn't always the right approach, especially when your client is using headphones to manage their envi

 Social Media Guidelines and Support Workers' Ethics: The Trend of Not Buying Things for Clients In the world of support work, ethics and boundaries are crucial. With the rise of social media, there's been an increasing trend among support workers to refrain from buying items for their clients. The reasoning behind this trend is well-founded: it aims to maintain professional boundaries, prevent any misunderstandings, and avoid the potential for dependency. However, this approach isn't without its challenges, especially when it comes to items that a support worker might be getting rid of or no longer needs. #### The Ethics Behind Not Buying Items for Clients Support workers are in a unique position where their role often blurs the line between professional and personal relationships. Buying items for a client can create an imbalance of power, where the client may feel indebted or the support worker may feel an obligation to continue providing. This can lead to complications,

Introduction Finding the right support worker goes beyond just matching qualifications. It's about connecting with someone who genuinely understands and cares about your needs—someone with a passion for helping others. In this post, I'll explore what makes support truly effective and why you should be on the lookout for the 'fan girl'—the ones who go to Comic-Con, Taylor Swift concerts, or obsess over their favorite shows. What Makes Support Good or Bad? Support isn't just about checking off tasks on a list; it's about how those tasks are executed. Good support workers combine technical skills with empathy, creating an environment where you feel truly understood and cared for. In contrast, bad support can leave you feeling like just another item on someone's to-do list, lacking the personal touch that makes you feel valued. This difference can significantly impact your overall well-being and progress. The Importance of Soft Skills While technical skills are

 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