Annie in wonderland

  This is a post I never thought I would write but I think it’s important to highlight this as we come up to Christmas, we have a lot of fires that can be prevented, from things like Christmas lights, cooking and other one that slips attention that caught my attention as I found myself watching Grand tour Clips and it Richard Hammonds second crash, in the Rimac, an electric vocal, they are quite sensitive around showing the footage, as the cameraman runs to help, https://youtu.be/gj3KqgPNeiY?si=YBO3bPQg4rF_HQNq But as we can see Amazon, Ben Collins and Andy Willman made changes to safety, but when you see James May talking about how long it took to put out, we are now realising the dangers of lithium-ion batteries   The explosions and they can’t be put out with water, I   then asked the question well what about mobility aid’s and communication devices and according to QFS web site yes they have the same batterie. They do have a PDF safety sheet but the general advice ...

 I have been a top gear fan for years, and haven't had the chance to see the grand tour yet, but have followed Clarkson, Hammon and May after they finished and I want to point out that yes they did have a very " blokey" attitude at the time and that top gear was as James May has recently said on both drive tribe and Donut media, that it was a product of its time, and that is true, and people say  they where ableist.  We need to remember they where the original's at rage bait as well, but we can see Hammonds reaction to the Mobility scooter story, and that the question of well is it a car or  a peace of medical equipment as well.  the other thing I want to point out that they have pointed out is that behind the seens the made magic happen for family's of children with a disablity and in the episode about off road mobility scooters they through doing what would be considered bad taste today, they did the TV thing of show don't tell, around the issues with off ro...

So I have gone completely off track but   I have now finally got my grove back, I have discovered a mystery I record local parks for YouTube so support workers can see what they have and judge the suitability of them as well, however, I did a video that I will link below about a park called Delta scout park and it's on Hume st Toowoomba but we assumed that there would be a plaque or something to say that there was a scout hut, but we couldn’t see anything. So my care team and I are now working towards finding out if there was a scout hut there, we think there may have been something, it was the area the 4 th Scouts met. I am in Guiding, so I know where to look for Scout history, but I am going to start doing a deep dive into this park. I don’t know what has got me researching this story, but I finally have something other than disability to talk about.   2nd Toowoomba Scouts: History   So I have been able to get hold of a book about scouting on the downs, ...

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....