23/08/2025
✨Kindness costs nothing, but it changes everything!
A little while ago I had the privilege of spending time with one of our incredible Participants, who is courageously navigating an intellectual impairment, ADHD and significant PTSD.
Together, we sang his favourite song while accomplishing his weekly grocery shopping, beaming with joy and laughter. Through meticulous planning and practice, we successfully executed 3 grocery trips and this was number 4!
A support worker, will remain vigilant in creating a nurturing environment that prioritises physical & emotional safety and wellbeing for our participants and the general public.
Utilising redirection and distraction techniques, I shielded him from the hurtful comments and behaviour of a group of individuals, who were unfortunately mocking and belittling him.
This remarkable individual already faces significant challenges in public, only venturing out when conditions are meticulously met. As a team, we have worked tirelessly to empower him to enter a grocery store and we are deeply proud of our collective efforts.
As a passionate advocate, I was tempted to address the offending individuals, but I knew that doing so would undermine our progress and jeopardise the trust we have worked so hard to establish.
So what did I do? We continued grocery shopping, singing and laughing. I directed his attention to the grocery list and very important task on hand and…with every part of me hoped he did not see.
He got everything on his list, had a very brief conversation with our wonderful checkout operator and grabbed a delicious donut on our way to the car.
This experience is a reminder of the daily challenges faced by people with disabilities and the quiet strength of those who walk beside them.
✨ If you can be anything in this world, be kind!
💚 Jo
