Annie in wonderland

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

**A Quick Note Before You Dive In:**   This post is meant in good humor, and we've drawn inspiration from Simon Whistler's hilarious *"Casual Criminalist"* series, particularly his *"Rules for Criminals."* One of his top rules is **“Don’t write down your crimes!”** Well, in the world of support work, we’re flipping that advice on its head. Here, **writing things down is your best friend** (seriously, document everything)!   While this guide isn’t meant to be too serious, it's based on real events and hard-earned lessons from the field. So, have a laugh, learn a little, and remember – it’s all in good fun (but with a touch of truth!).   **Rules for Support Workers**   • *If it's not documented, it didn’t happen*   • *Low support needs don’t mean **no** support needs*   • *Low support needs clients can be your best resource*   • *Low support needs clients can also be your worst enemy – they might be the first to report issues*   • *Be careful what you

Certainly! Here's the revised version with that addition: --- **The Balance of Risk and Benefit in Disability: Understanding the Importance of Calculated Risks** Living with a disability often means that people around you—family, support workers, or even medical professionals—may prioritize safety and duty of care. While safety is essential, it’s also important to recognize that not all risk is bad. In fact, calculated risks can lead to significant learning opportunities and personal growth. Striking the right balance between risk management, duty of care, and the potential benefits of taking a risk is key to developing independence and enhancing life experiences. ### Why Calculated Risks Matter A calculated risk is not about being reckless; it’s about weighing the potential benefits against the risks and making an informed decision. For individuals with disabilities, taking risks—like trying a new task independently or stepping outside of their comfort zone—can help build skills a

When we think of work skills, we often picture technical abilities, formal qualifications, or years of specialized training. But the truth is, many of the skills we use in everyday life are just as valuable in the workplace, even if we don’t immediately recognize them as such. Whether it's doing household chores, communicating effectively, or understanding basic processes, these are all crucial skills that can translate into professional success. For individuals with disabilities, there are unique challenges but also potential advantages in approaching work with a fresh perspective. ### 1. Housework Skills Managing a household requires a range of skills that are directly applicable to the workforce. Housework teaches time management, organization, and problem-solving—all key skills for any job. - **Cleaning and Tidying**: Keeping a workspace clean is an essential habit in almost every job. It shows discipline, attention to detail, and respect for the environment and colleagues. - *

Hygiene is a deeply personal aspect of daily life, but for those with hidden or psychosocial disabilities, maintaining it can be challenging in ways that others may not immediately understand. Whether due to trauma, sensory overload, or mental health factors, everyday tasks like showering, brushing teeth, or taking care of personal cleanliness can feel overwhelming. ### The Impact of Hidden Disabilities on Hygiene Hidden disabilities such as anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, or sensory processing issues can often make basic hygiene tasks difficult. These struggles aren’t always obvious, which can lead to misunderstanding or judgment from others. For some, the feeling of water on the skin can be distressing, while for others, the effort required to focus on self-care during depressive episodes feels insurmountable. These barriers are real and deserve recognition and support. ### Why Prompts and Education Matter A common misconception is that individuals with hidden disabili

Why the NDIS Needs a Deficits-Based Funding System The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) was designed to support people with disabilities in accessing the services they need to live more independent lives. However, there’s a growing concern that the current funding structure, which leans heavily on skills-based assessments, isn’t providing the most effective support. What we truly need is a deficits-based funding system—where funding is tied to a person’s limitations, with support focused on building the necessary skills to improve quality of life. The Flaws of a Skills-Based Funding System At first glance, a skills-based system may seem logical—funding is allocated based on what people can already do. However, this approach overlooks the reality that many participants need support precisely because of what they cannot do without assistance. It assumes that everyone has a certain baseline of ability, and the funding builds from there, which is simply not the case for many pe