March 1 marked International Wheelchair Day, a time to recognise the freedom, mobility, and independence that wheelchairs provide to millions of people worldwide.
It’s a day we celebrate wheelchair users, raise awareness about accessibility, and acknowledge that there is still a way to go in creating truly inclusive communities.
For many, a wheelchair is more than just a piece of equipment—it’s a vital companion in daily life, a means of adventure, and a symbol of independence. This year, we celebrate by sharing Simone’s story. She is a passionate advocate for disability rights and a member of the CPSN community. Her wheelchair, affectionately named Herbie, is more than just a mobility aid—it’s part of her journey.
Meet Simone: A Passionate Advocate
She is one of many wheelchair users in the Cerebral palsy (CP) community who has not let her wheelchair define her. Simone is extremely independent and lives in Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs and is happily married. She was involved in CPSN’s Adult Tribal Wisdom program in 2022. This was a support group that taught its’ participants how to engage in effective communication skills through active and purposeful conversation.
Introducing Herbie: More Than Just a Wheelchair
To recognise International Wheelchair Day, she has shared with us a little bit about her wheelchair that she has affectionately named “Herbie.”
“Herbie has had many many adventures with me over the years, these started when I was out together with a young family member who asked me: "Does your wheelchair have a name?" I had to think quickly. That’s when “Herbie” was born.”
Inclusion Education
It has taken a long time and several setbacks through the NDIS to give Simone the right wheelchair which suits her physical needs. That is another story for another time.
Simone often travels around to various schools to speak to staff and students about her story of having a disability and the importance of inclusion for everyone.
“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.”
Herbie: Speed, Agility, and some Caution
Simone says Herbie is pretty agile (and speedy at times). She has had a special spotlight attached to the side of her chair, so she can navigate dark areas and different terrain with ease but always tries to be careful where she can, she recalled her parents always issuing her warnings to drive with caution.
“My parents would often say to me, ‘be careful, don’t hit anyone, don’t run anyone over!’”
Herbie is more than just a wheelchair—he’s a companion on life’s adventures, a conversation starter, and a reminder that mobility is about freedom, not limitation.
When Simone and Herbie aren’t out exploring, she enjoys art, crafts, writing, and catching up with friends over dinner and drinks.
Resources and Organisations dedicated to supporting wheelchair users.
Disability Gateway: A comprehensive portal that assists people with disabilities, their families, and carers in finding information and services across Australia. It covers areas such as income support, employment, aids and equipment, and more.
People with Disability Australia (PWDA): A national disability rights and advocacy organization, PWDA provides educational resources, support, and information to promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities.
State-Based Organizations:
Wheelchair Sports NSW: This organization supports individuals with disabilities in New South Wales by offering a range of sports programs, facilities, and financial support, catering to both beginners and Paralympians.
Disability, Sport and Recreation VIC (DRaSVIC): Based in Victoria, DRAsVIC strives to support people with disabilities in leading active, healthy lives through participation in recreation, fitness, and sport.
Accessible Travel and Accommodation:
Accessible Travel in Australia - Tourism Australia: Provides information on accessible transport options, accommodations, and experiences across Australia, ensuring travelers with mobility needs can plan their trips effectively.
AAAPlay: An online resource to help people with disabilities to connect to Inclusive sporting and recreation facilities across Victoria, even to find equipment for sports and recreation in the home.
Equipment and Mobility Services:
Wheelaway: A family run and owned wheelchair-accessible vehicle hire service in Victoria. They can facilitate road trips and travel for wheelchair users.
Para Mobility: Provides devices like the IBIS Wheelchair to Car Access, which assists in transferring individuals from their wheelchair into a car, or aquatic transfer equipment.
Community Initiatives:
U-BEACH: An initiative by CQUniversity’s Universal Beach Access Hub, providing equipment like all-terrain walkers and floating wheelchairs to improve beach accessibility for disabled residents in Central Queensland.
We’d love to hear your stories of your adventures in your wheelchair. Get in touch. Email us: cpsn@cpsn.com.au. We’re here to help. (03) 9478 1001
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