Annie in wonderland

So my community access support agency went on a day trip on Wednesday to Brisbane and Mt Coot-tha and the Brisbane Planetarium. We had a wet but enjoyable day. This is a photo dump, and my international viewers might recognize some of the sights from the TV cartoon Bluey , the episode The Sign .  

   This is a back-to-basics post on what mobility aids are, with photos below of different types of wheelchairs used in various settings. I also want to cover some basic etiquette around mobility aids, as well as explain their unique functions in promoting independence. Types of Wheelchairs and Their Uses: Shower Wheelchair : This chair is designed to be used in the shower, allowing users to maintain their hygiene independently. Its water-resistant design and secure construction mean it can be safely used in wet environments. This aid promotes independence in personal care, reducing dependence on staff for daily needs. Hospital Chair : Often used in medical settings, hospital chairs provide safe and comfortable seating for people with temporary or long-term mobility needs. They’re built for easy maneuvering and support, allowing users to retain some mobility during their stay, with assistance as needed. Manual Wheelchair : This type of wheelchair is self-propelled, often givin...

I’ve had a lot of questions lately about why I don’t dive into “on-the-ground activism” in the disability community. While I respect the passion behind it, my approach centers on accountability, respect for support staff, and a focus on the bigger picture. Here’s why I’ve chosen a different path. Accountability vs. Excuses In my experience, accountability is often misinterpreted as negativity. My approach emphasizes responsibility, transparency, and a willingness to learn from mistakes. Yet, I’ve noticed that when I bring up the need for accountability in disability support structures, it often rubs some people the wrong way. Instead of acknowledging areas where we could improve, disagreements are often dismissed as ableist. But accountability isn’t criticism for the sake of it—it’s a crucial part of ensuring that services work as they should. Respecting Support Staff A big part of advocacy should be about building respect and understanding for support staff, who work hard within the l...

On our recent visit to Spring Bluff Railway Station, one spot held a particular magic: the old hall. It’s a place where countless couples have left their mark over the years, their names and dates scratched into the wood in quiet tribute to their love. Each inscription is a snapshot of a moment, perhaps a proposal, an anniversary, or just a day filled with joy. These names, while technically graffiti, add a special layer of charm and history to the space. Each one is a little love letter from the past, and the hall wouldn’t be the same without them. As you wander around Spring Bluff, it’s clear that this station has character at every turn. Just beside the hall, there’s an old tank—worn and slowly succumbing to time. Although it’s collapsing, removing it would mean taking away part of the charm that makes Spring Bluff feel so unique. It’s these aging structures, with their stories etched in rust and wood, that make Spring Bluff an irreplaceable piece of history. We’re already planning ...

  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....