Annie in wonderland

  Over the weekend, I visited Spring Bluff Railway Station with friends and their teenage children. It was refreshing to see the teens willingly put their devices away and join us in exploring this historic gem, tucked away in the beautiful Lockyer Valley. Spring Bluff has been part of Queensland’s rail history since the 1860s. Though the station itself is now decommissioned, the line is still in use, giving visitors the occasional thrill of watching a train pass by. The signal boxes, which once guided trains up the steep grade, are now like guardians of the past, adding to the nostalgic charm of the place. One of the unique aspects of Spring Bluff is its big hall, where couples have left their names etched into the wood over the years. While technically graffiti, this tradition has become part of the station’s story, a quiet testament to decades of memories made here. There’s a sweet, almost romantic feel to seeing those names and dates, as if each one captures a piece of history....

As we reach the end of the academic year here in Australia, with schools and universities wrapping up from January to December, it’s a great time to revisit this post. For those considering career options, the disability care industry continues to grow, especially for those with a car, common sense, and the ability to pass a background check. With a Blue Card (for working with children) and a Yellow Card (for working with people with disabilities), it’s possible to secure a job quickly. It’s encouraging to see new requirements that mandate a qualification after six months in the industry, though there’s room to improve training on essential topics like medication management and nutrition. One area I find particularly important is dress code, as it can vary widely among agencies. Many agencies lack specific uniforms or have vague dress codes, leading to a range of clothing choices in the field. I’ve seen all kinds of attire, from appropriate to very questionable. For example, I've e...

Diving into content creation is like signing up for a masterclass in life skills. What started as a way to share my perspective has evolved into a journey that’s taught me so much about the world—and about myself. From relationships and time management to motivation and research, every step along the way has shown me something new. Here’s a closer look at what goes into content creation and the invaluable lessons I’ve learned. 1. **Building Relationships and Community**    Content creation isn’t just about sharing ideas; it’s about connecting with others. I’ve learned that engaging with an audience means building trust and showing authenticity. Whether it’s responding to comments or collaborating with other creators, it’s taught me how much effort goes into cultivating genuine connections.  **Lesson Learned**: Building relationships is about showing up consistently and being open to others' perspectives, even if they’re different from my own. This openness has also enrich...

As many in my community know, I live in Toowoomba, and I believe our council has a strategy to strengthen the community, which includes enhancing play equipment and promoting active transport. One area they fall short on is public transport, but you can't have everything. So, I’ll take what we do have and be grateful, understanding that they are trying to reduce the health burden by building walking tracks. I’m always amazed when international viewers watch Bluey and don’t realize that, yes, this is what our parks really look like! We encourage kids to engage in risk management and take risks, as it helps them build resilience and problem-solving skills. We don’t have the same risk-averse culture as some other places, likely due to having a universal healthcare system. While there are situations where legal action might be appropriate, it's relatively rare. We also encourage outdoor activities, so yes—this is what parks in my community look like. You’ll often see families enjo...

This is a post I've been delaying, but here are my thoughts on the NDIS changes. My thoughts are many and varied, but the reforms are a very mixed bag. People need to understand that the reforms came through for a reason, and that reason is the misuse of the system and instances of fraud. What's been amusing to me is seeing the “advocates” coming out of the woodwork—people I’ve never heard of—claiming to be allies with us. There are some amazing advocates out there, both on the internet and worldwide, but some of these newcomers are blogging on LinkedIn about “foundational support.” I admit, I misunderstood at first, but they were talking about non-NDIS support. The big question is: where is the money coming from if it's for people who don’t qualify for the NDIS? Is it going to come from the state or federal government? The NDIS was supposed to level the playing field, and that involves having barriers to entry. We need to differentiate between a health condition and a disa...

 I’ve talked quite openly about my health and disabilities, and people in my personal life have seen some unwise and unthought-out content I’ve shared. I can see where the pushback comes from, and I acknowledge that a lot of healing has been done in my personal life. But why do I talk about these issues so often and so publicly on the internet? Honestly, I started this blog focusing on media and touched a little on disability, but I couldn't keep up as so much was changing in my life. I naturally started talking more about what I knew—disability and the NDIS—because there wasn’t much content from people with lived experience in Australia. While many providers use social media for promotion, I take pride in being independent. For me, it's about myth-busting what disability looks like. I’ve even had to reevaluate my own thoughts and expectations of myself. I’ve realized that disability isn’t a dirty word. By speaking out about my experiences, I can build a community that doesn’t ...

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. ...