It’s not what you know, it’s who you know!

Human diversity = Individuality

Quality of life is a phrase that most people are familiar with, whether or not one can define it.

I believe the ‘uniqueness’ of an individual is really at the heart of how quality of life should be measured.  Especially when measuring quality in someone with complex needs.

The goal being to enjoy and maintain a good quality of life on a daily basis.

 So quality for Angela is basically being supported to maintain physical health- personal care -nutrition and diet – remedial massage – body and foot care – behaviour modifying support – living at home, – access to her

favourite home equipment – multi media switch – favourite music-songs – videos – iPad -rocking chair – yellow ball – family – her daily rituals and cues, -right people to support her to access community places -wheelchair transport – visiting and socialising – friendships and relationships – opportunities – experiences – support and training to learn new things, – making choices – adjusting to any changes in life.

 Inclusion and participation/engagement/opportunities/experience( not the impairment) is paramount , coupled with the right support people.

Quality then for Angela is the sum total as seen on her website…The “who, what, why, when, where, how, and is” of her life- as seen through the lens!

Regarding Community Inclusion

QUALITY IS A COMPLEX, MULTI-PERSPECTIVE, AND MULTI-DIMENSIONAL CONCEPT AND DEPENDS ON THE VALUES AND PERCEPTIONS OF THE DEFINER.

COMPOSED OF CORE DOMAINS THAT ARE INFLUENCED BY PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLES.

CORE VALUES OF CHOICE, DIGNITY, RESPECT, SELF DETERMINATION AND PURPOSEFUL LIVING

COMMUNITY ACCESS   OF DAILY OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPERIENCES WITH A CIRCLE OF SUPPORT HAS RESULTED IN SOME GREAT OUTCOMES FOR ANGELA ( where the person comes first and the disability comes second)

*INDEPENDENDENT OF PRIMARY CARERS

*LEARNING FROM WORLD AROUND HER

*SHARING OF ORDINARY PLACES

*INCLUSION-BEING PRESENT LIKE EVERONE ELSE

*MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES-BUSY-OUT AND ABOUT

*IMPROVED HEALTH AND WELLBEING

*IDENTITY AWARENESS BY BEING PRESENT

*IMPROVED BEHAVIOUR

*INCREASED TOLERANCE OF SENSORY SENSITIVITIES-SOUNDS ETC

*LINKING/SEEING/MEETING FRIENDS/ AQUAINTANCES/ NEW PEOPLE

*RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

*CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE OF VARYING LEVELS

*PERSONALISED SHOPPING

*MEMBER EXPERIENCE (LIBRARY/CLUB)

*MAKING CHOICES

*OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPERIENCE  

*BEING SEEN AS A VALUED PERSON

*EXPERIENCE VARIETY OF TRANSPORT-WHEELCHAIR VAN/ TRAIN/ FERRY        

   LIGHTRAIL

*CONSTANT MOVEMENT FOR SOMEONE WHO IS NON AMBULATORY

*RIGHTS BUILDING-BEING A CITIZEN

*SIGHT-SEER

*MOVIE-GOER 

**THEATRE-GOER 

*TEN PIN BOWLER

*ART GALLERY LOVER

*SERENDIPITY REACTION RECEIVER (pleasant surprise or happenstance where outcome was not planned or intended)