March 1 marked International Wheelchair Day, a day to recognize the freedom, mobility, and independence that wheelchairs offer millions around the world. It recognises and celebrates wheelchair users, raising awareness about accessibility, and a reminder that the journey to fully inclusive communities continues.
For many, a wheelchair is more than just a tool, it’s an essential companion in daily life, enabling adventure and symbolising independence. This year, we celebrate Simone's story. A dedicated Disability rights advocate and a member of the CPSN community, her wheelchair, named "Herbie," plays a crucial role in her journey.
Meet Simone: A Passionate Advocate
Simone, a member of the Cerebral Palsy (CP) Community, refuses to let her wheelchair define her. She’s highly independent, living in Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs with her husband. She participated in CPSN’s Adult Tribal Wisdom program in 2022, a support group focused on developing effective communication skills through active and meaningful conversations.
Introducing Herbie: More Than Just a Wheelchair
Simone shares the story of her wheelchair, affectionately called "Herbie." The name originated during a day out with a young family member who asked if her wheelchair had a name. After a quick thought, "Herbie" was born.
Herbie has been on many adventures with Simone, from trips to local shops to bus rides for appointments. One challenge Simone faces is navigating crowded department stores, particularly during Christmas shopping, where the busy atmosphere makes it hard to move around quickly.
Herbie even attended a wedding recently, andhe made his way into the wedding photos. With a fun personality, Herbie has even been to the Melbourne ‘Star’ - and has the photos to prove it!
Driving with Caution & Inclusion Education
Simone has faced numerous delays with the NDIS in securing a wheelchair that meets her needs, a story she plans to share at another time. Along with her Advocacy work, Simone regularly speaks at schools, sharing her story and emphasising the importance of Inclusion. She encourages children to view her wheelchair not as something to fear, but as something human and familiar. Herbie isn’t just a chair, it's a character with it's own personality, especially when she uses the horn during talks to make things fun.
“I don’t let my wheelchair define me. When I speak to younger children, I want them to not be afraid of the chair, to break down that physical barrier, to make Herbie seem human, and commonplace…Herbie is not just a chair to me, he’s got a personality. If I use the horn, (during my talks) he can become funny.”
Simone also highlights Herbie’s speed and agility. With a spotlight added to the chair, she can navigate dark or rough terrain, though she always strives to be cautious, recalling her parents' constant reminders to drive carefully.
“My parents would often say to me, ‘be careful, don’t hit anyone, don’t run anyone over!’”
Herbie: A Fun, Agile Companion
Simone enjoys spending her free time engaging in art, crafts, and writing. She also enjoys dining out with friends, with Herbie tagging along for the journey.
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Resources and Organisations Supporting Wheelchair Users
There are several resources available to support wheelchair users, including:
- Accessible beaches | My CP Guide
- Adapting homes for wheelchair accessibility | My CP Guide
- Disability Gateway: A comprehensive platform offering resources and services for people with disabilities and their families across Australia.
- People with Disability Australia (PWDA): This national advocacy group promotes the rights and well-being of people with disabilities.
- Wheelchair Sports NSW: Offering sports programs and support for people with disabilities in New South Wales.
- Disability, Sport, and Recreation VIC (DRaSVIC): Supporting individuals with disabilities in Victoria to lead active lives.
- Accessible Travel in Australia Tourism Australia: Information on accessible travel options and accommodations for those with mobility needs.
- AAAPlay: A resource for connecting people with disabilities to inclusive sporting and recreational facilities in Victoria.
- Wheelaway: A wheelchair-accessible vehicle hire service in Victoria, facilitating road trips for wheelchair users.
- Para Mobility: Provides equipment like the IBIS Wheelchair for easier transfers into vehicles or aquatic environments.
- U-BEACH: An initiative to improve beach accessibility in Central Queensland with equipment like all-terrain walkers and floating wheelchairs.
We would love to hear your stories of your wheelchair adventures. Reach out to us by email at cpsn@cpsn.com.au or by phone at (03) 9478 1001. We're here to help.
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