Managing New Year Expectations

Enable WA
3 days ago
3 min read

The start of a new year often comes with talk of resolutions, fresh starts, and big goals. For some, this is motivating. For others, particularly people living with disability and those who care for or support them, it can feel like added pressure.

Here at Enable WA, we believe that goals do not have to be dramatic or life-changing to matter. Everyday progress, such as managing routines, learning new skills, or building social connections, is meaningful. If you are someone who sees the new year as a time to put new goals into action, we are here to assist you in ways that fit your life, at a pace that works for you.

Accessible Apps for Goal Accountability

If you are someone who enjoys marking the start of a new year as a time to create new goals or milestones for you to reach, here are a few accessible apps that can help you keep track:

Todoist: A powerful and intuitive app that works well with screen readers like VoiceOver on iOS. It uses natural language for quick reminders (e.g., "tomorrow at 4pm") and lets you prioritise tasks efficiently.
Microsoft To Do: A free, simple app that integrates with Microsoft products. Great for basic to-do lists, subtasks, and organising daily activities. Available on web, iOS, and Android.
Apple Reminders: Ideal for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac users. Highly accessible with strong VoiceOver support and location-based reminders.
Google Tasks: Works across Gmail, Calendar, and Drive. Easy to manage tasks on multiple devices with good accessibility, though it lacks advanced collaboration features.

Making the Most of Enable WA's Community Groups

Each of our regions (Lower South West, Upper South West, Peel and Perth), have community groups available to take part in, as well as a range of supports that may help you in reaching your goals.

Want to learn how to cook? The Shared Spoon cooking classes with the Peel team are always very popular. Each Tuesday they cook easy, nutritious meals that you can add to your weekly menu.
Want to expand your social group? The Lower South West offers both a Community Access Team (Manjimup), and Group Activity Program (Busselton), for Enable Participants. These groups offer craft sessions, social catch ups, and more!
Interested in finding a job? A few of our regions offer Finding and Keeping a Job supports, and School Leaver Employment Supports (region dependent).
Want to move into a new place? Our Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) options offer rooms in modern homes across Peel, Perth, and the South West.

You do not need to chase big milestones or match anyone else’s timeline. Goals can be small, practical, or social, and Enable WA can assist you in setting them in ways that feel achievable. We are here to support your choices, celebrate your wins, and provide assistance wherever you need it.

Remove the Pressure to be 'Inspirational'

Sometimes, people with disability are made to feel like they need to be 'inspirational' just for living their daily lives. While well-intentioned, this can create pressure to always appear positive or resilient, even when things are challenging.

We see you as a person first. Your goals, your efforts, and your daily achievements are important, and they do not have to be extraordinary. Whether you need assistance with practical tasks, social connections, or trying something new, our support workers work with you without expectations or labels. We've seen it all!

A woman and man sit on a couch, holding a trophy between them. — Ella and Sam from 'The i-word' have an entire show on BBC about the concept of calling people with disability 'inspirational'. Click on the image to find out more.

It's Just Another Day!

You don't need to make resolutions just because it is January. Some people may focus on skill-building, others on connection, and some simply on keeping life manageable and enjoyable.

At Enable WA, we support all of these approaches. Our goal is to assist you in reaching the things that matter to you, with support that is practical, consistent, and respectful. Everyday life and your efforts within it are already meaningful.