Annie in wonderland

 In support work, knowing your clients is key to providing effective and respectful care. This begins with reading their care plans before meeting them, asking thoughtful questions, observing their responses, and understanding their living situations. Your role is to work with their environment, not against it—a principle that some support staff, unfortunately, overlook. Take, for instance, clients who live in a family home. It's important to build a professional relationship with the family while recognizing that supporting the client means, to some extent, supporting the family as well. At the same time, situational awareness is critical—you must know your boundaries. Helping clients with tasks, like chores, is part of fostering their independence. However, it's equally important not to overstep and be seen as the housekeeper. In cases where the family or client has the necessary funding, suggesting they hire a cleaner might be a more appropriate solution. Situational awarene

 This topic only scratches the surface of something that affects the disability community in a specific way. Infantilization can be seen as a form of discrimination, but some people may view it as uninformed caregiving. Either way, if you're a paid caregiver, it’s crucial to be aware of how infantilization can cause frustration, particularly when working with medium to low support needs clients. Frustration often leads to what the industry calls “difficult and challenging behaviors.” But these behaviors aren’t random—they have causes, and one significant cause is frustration. Everything I’ve read about managing challenging behaviors in the disability sector emphasizes that it’s not about the caregiver. The way a caregiver reacts can make a situation better or worse. This is where situational awareness becomes critical. Understanding the root causes of frustration helps identify triggers—real triggers, not the casual "I was triggered at work today" kind, but genuine clini

Preparing for Emergencies: A Framework for Supporting People with Disabilities This is not going to be an exhaustive list, but in Australia, we need to be honest with ourselves as we head into extreme weather season. This includes, but isn’t limited to, storms, severe wind, bushfires, extreme heat, and—though I’m loathe to mention it—manmade incidents. This post is aimed at carers and supporters of people with disabilities. It’s not exhaustive, but it offers a framework to get you thinking about what needs to happen in an emergency. Key Considerations: Support Needs & Emergency Plans The first thing to consider is the person’s support needs. Do they have a care package? Does the agency or support worker (whether through a platform or an independent worker) have an emergency plan for the client? It's much better to be prepared than to scramble when a situation arises. Potential Challenges Depending on the emergency, a person with a disability might be cut off from regular suppor

So, I know that I have been neglecting the blog and using ChatGPT far too much, and I know people can see that. However, it is a tool—a very new tool—and we don’t yet know what the long-term implications are. Here's why I’ve been neglecting the blog, and there are a couple of reasons for it. The most important is that I’ve been spending quality time with the people in my life who are important to me. The second reason is that the podcast is taking off, which is amazing. It’s also wonderful to see the support from guests who are willing to give up their time. A special shoutout to Debbi Lund for being a regular guest! Another reason is that I can reach a wider audience on YouTube, which is also taking off, but it’s impacting my margins of time and priorities. However, I’m now at a place where I can refocus and get organized. For me, part of that means carving out time for the blog again. Additionally, the platform I use for blogging makes it hard to get monetized. To be honest, the

Understanding the Recent NDIS Changes: What They Mean for Clients The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has undergone significant legislative changes, and it’s important to understand how these will impact clients moving forward. These changes were introduced through the NDIS Amendment (Participant Service Guarantee and Other Measures) Act 2022 and reflect updates designed to streamline services, enhance participant outcomes, and prepare for the future of disability support. In addition to these changes, discussions around the role of support coordinators evolving into navigators are a key feature in the National Disability Roadmap . In this post, we’ll break down the most significant changes to the NDIS, what the potential shift to navigators means, and how this fits into the overall disability support strategy. 1. Participant Service Guarantee The Participant Service Guarantee is a cornerstone of the recent NDIS changes, ensuring quicker and clearer processes for decisi

 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