Annie in wonderland

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. ...

 In my corner of the world, the Carnival of Flowers is in full bloom, thanks to the impressive work of the Toowoomba Regional Council Parks and Rec. They’ve transformed our public gardens into a floral paradise, inviting everyone to enjoy the beauty—just a gentle reminder: please don’t pick or prune the flowers! If you’re inspired by what you see, there are information stands about where to buy these stunning plants. Yet, amidst the celebrations, I can’t help but reflect on a concerning trend I've observed with an acquaintance who has dived headfirst into the conspiracy rabbit hole. This intelligent woman, once a beacon of innovative thinking, now sees hidden symbols and secret agendas everywhere. It’s unsettling to witness. For instance, she’s convinced that the Masons are manipulating governments, failing to recognize them as a spiritual organization focused on societal betterment. Similarly, labeling the Country Women’s Association (CWA)—founded to empower rural women—as merely ...

So, I have been on Facebook, and in my part of the world, there is a celebration happening: the Carnival of Flowers. The Toowoomba Regional Council Parks and Rec (yes, that is really their name; instead of sighing, they went with it) have done a spectacular job. Parks and Rec is the gardening arm of the council, responsible for maintaining the beautiful public gardens, and they’ve truly outdone themselves this year. Just a reminder to everyone enjoying the gardens—please don’t pick or prune the flowers or bushes! If you’re interested in any of the plants or flowers on display, they’ve set up information stands about where you can buy them. But something I've noticed with an acquaintance is quite scary—they’ve completely gone down the conspiracy rabbit hole. I do watch content like The Why Files (shout-out to Hecklefish—Yahtzee!), Lodge Law , 5 Kind TV , Decoding the Unknown , and listen to Freakonomics Radio . These are run by very smart people with teams of researchers to back th...

 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 ...

 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 ...

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 son...

**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 ...

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...