Applying

Draft sentence

Thinking and communicating: This task is affected by disability. Without support, the task is not completed safely or at all. This happens regularly. With the right support, participation is possible. This describes function. It is not a diagnosis or a funding decision.

Saved on this device. Next, add how often this happens.

You can say: “Yes, there are days when this looks easier. Those days are not the baseline. Over the last [time period], the hard days happened [how often], lasted [how long], and meant [what was missed]. Supports need to work on the hard days, not only the best days. I can show the fluctuation log if that helps.”

Words to swap

• Avoid: non-compliant / attention-seeking / lazy

  Prefer: needs more support to start / communicate / recover

  Judgement words hide the support need.

• Avoid: high functioning

  Prefer: can do this in some conditions, with this much support

  Function fluctuates. Best-day snapshots underfund.

• Avoid: just anxious / just behavioural

  Prefer: disability-related barriers in this environment

  Cause-debating delays supports.

• Avoid: they can do it if they try

  Prefer: on a good day this is possible; on a typical or hard day this is not

  Effort is not evidence.

• Avoid: needs 24/7 because we worry

  Prefer: needs this support because of these safety / function facts

  Worry is real. Funding still needs function.

Strength prompts

• What already works on a good day?
• Which people, places, or tools make things easier?
• What does the person care about and want more of?