Annie in wonderland

 Support work can be challenging, but music can provide comfort, energy, and a sense of solidarity. Here’s a lighthearted list of songs that resonate with different aspects of care work, from medication support to meal planning. Whether you're a caregiver yourself or just want to appreciate their efforts, these tunes hit the right notes. 1. "Witch Doctor" by David Seville Theme : Medication Support This playful song reminds us of the often mystifying world of medications and treatments. The catchy “oo-ee-oo-ah-ah” can lighten the mood, making the process of helping clients with medication routines a little less clinical. 2. "Seconds from Violence" by The Exploited Theme : Positive Behavior Support (Therapeutic Support) Sometimes things can escalate quickly in care settings, especially when emotions run high. This song’s raw energy mirrors the intensity of managing challenging behaviors, reminding us of the importance of de-escalation and therapeutic support. 3.

Low-Support Needs Clients: A Different Skill Set, Same Level of Care In the world of disability support, there’s a common assumption that clients with high-support needs demand the most attention. However, this isn’t the full picture. While individuals with low-support needs may not require constant physical assistance, they still deserve the same level of care and attention. What’s often overlooked is that low-support clients require a completely different skill set from their support workers. It’s not about doing less—it’s about understanding their needs, filling in skill gaps, and ensuring a high standard of care that’s tailored to their situation. A Different Skill Set for Low-Support Needs Clients Supporting a low-support needs client isn't necessarily easier; it’s different. Unlike high-support needs clients who may rely on physical or daily living assistance, low-support needs clients often need support in other areas, such as life planning, managing schedules, and personal

What Does a Support Worker Look Like to You? When it comes to choosing a support worker, the most important thing is understanding what you need. The right support worker for one person may not be the right fit for another. But here’s the key takeaway: there’s no such thing as a bad support worker—just people who may not be suited to the industry or to your specific needs. Support work is a profession where personalities, communication styles, and expectations must align. If they don’t, it’s not necessarily because the worker is "bad." They might simply be better suited to a different client or a different role. Watch this insightful video on what it means to have the right kind of support and how to figure out what works for you. What Are Your Needs? Before hiring a support worker, reflect on what your specific needs are. This helps ensure you're finding the right person for the job. Ask yourself: What are the tasks I need help with? Whether it’s personal care, transpo

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

 What would a good independent support worker look like to me? Some support workers, whether independent or agency-based, are, let's just say, not suited to the industry. What I consider ineffective support might be exactly what someone else needs. This isn’t a new industry, but it is a booming one, and that’s the issue. Some agencies tolerate ineffective staff because they struggle to attract well-trained, effective staff—and that’s a cost to them. It’s important to remember that funding for support doesn’t only come from the NDIS. There’s also state funding, superannuation (retirement plans), and programs like hospital-at-home. Each of these can provide different types of support depending on the circumstances. Common sense needs to be applied on both sides—service providers and clients—so that these systems are more inclusive and effective for everyone. With the legislation changes, I’m glad that support workers will be required to have qualifications. This is a good thing. In m

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