I know I have written about what makes a great service provider, but even though the provider might be excellent it doesn’t mean the workers are. The majority where I go are the best hut I have had some bad ones. So here is what makes me feel comfy with someone.

First any worker needs to understand disabilities but not just disabilities. They need to realise that though there are things we may be limited in a lot of us have other ways of doing things. Some might be non verbal but they will still understand. When talking they need to try to remember to talk in a way that is appropriate to the age they are working with. It is good to treat each person as the age they are not put them down by speaking as if we are babies.

A good worker needs to actually want to be there and not make people feel bad for needing help. I have had workers who seem to just be there for the money and would rather talk on the phone than work. I had a worker once who even though I said I wanted to go to the park, drove the van to her friends house I was ok if her friend were to meet us at the park but I don’t think I should have to change my outing to suit them unless there is a good reason.

A good worker also needs to respect the rights and wishes of their clients. I have seen staff gossip about other clients even in front of them. No client or worker is better than another we are all equal.

A good worker doesn’t have to share all the same interests but they should share some of them, and at least be willing to work with the individual unless of course there is a safety issue that means they can’t.

Workers also need to respect dignity. In some cases it may be hard to do so but when they can they should.

Even if someone doesn’t appear to understand treat them as if they do because some disabilities mean they have different ways of expressing themselves.

Always keep an open mind and be willing to learn. I love my workers and they are still learning even thought some of them have been around many years.

All my us friends are celebrating thanksgiving this week. For me I am thankful always so I am going to list some of them.

I am thankful for family who support me every way possible and love me know matter what.

I am thankful for my friends who help me always. They encourage me help me and are there no matter what.

I am thankful for my service providers who allow me to lead a normal as possible life and encourage me to be independent every day.

I am thankful for all the medical professionals who have cqred for me and many others. Life has been different this year but they still do all they can.

I am thankful for the simple things and the ability to be grateful for everything. We should never take life for granted especially after this year.

A couple of weeks ago I saw my gastroenterologist for a check up. She was happy to see me doing better. We have halved my lactulose and have agreed that for now I am stable. We are deferring my tube change till next year to reduce anesetic problems.

My hearing has completely gone in the right ear and I haven’t heard properly in over a week. I see the audiologist on Thursday and am hoping it is the hearing aid otherwise I may need a cochlear implant. My ear anatomy is wonky so we want to avoid as long as possible.

My anxiety and ocd is slowly getting better but I still have bad days.

My pain is doing better the new medicine is very hqrd to put down my tube so I don’t know if I am even getting any at all.

I am hoping to stay stable for a long time but time will tell.

Time flys when your having fun they say. Last week I had my 4th NDIS meeting. Those who say it gets better each year are right.

This year was different in that it wasn’t in person. My support coordinator organised a Microsoft team meeting wich didn’t work well. I couldn’t hear them and they couldn’t see me or mum so we had a Telle conference. We all used out phones. I found this worked much better.

We had a lovely planner that was able to go through everything and explained everything well. We found out my employment section is now in my core supports rather than its own section.

I also mentioned I wanted a holiday within NSW so we added that in as well as keeping the behaviour management plan and Auslan course.

I am happy we got a ramp approved for the front door and a hand rail for the walkway. The bathroom is also being approved.

I also got money to fix my wheelchair as the seating isn’t right.

I was very happy and surprised to see everything was approved the same day. And am looking forward to another great year. We can’t predict COVID 19 and the future but I know my service providers mum and my support coordinator will work hard to ensure everything goes smoothly for me. We also can’t predict my gut and health but for now I am stable and am doing all I can to stay that way.