A SIMPLE technology upgrade has given Millicent man Trevor Palmer a new lease on life.
The Smart Drive, a manual wheelchair accessory, is now powering Trevor up hills and across tricky surfaces – something which he had struggled with for many years.
Trevor broke his neck 14 years ago and became a quadriplegic and today requires the use of a manual wheelchair to maintain his fitness.
After joining the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) when it rolled out on the Limestone Coast last year, Trevor was given funding for the Smart Drive and said it had been life-changing.
“It’s changed my life incredibly, I’m happy to go out on my own, I can go wherever I want,” Trevor said.
On a recent trip to Melbourne, Trevor was able to support his wife Kristy, who was unwell, by making a trip to the chemist on his own – something he could never have done in the past.
“Kristy got sick and needed some medication from the chemist and I was able to just go down on my own and get it for her and bring it back.
“I was not useless, she’s always helping me and I could actually return the favour for her.
“I went to the steepest hill in Melbourne, just to see how it would work and it pushed me up there with no troubles at all.”
Trevor works for a local building company, managing houses and commercial buildings and the general running of the business.
The NDIS also provides Trevor with in-home support, which allows Kristy to continue working, as well as funding for an adjustable bed.
Between those supports and the Smart Drive, Trevor said it’s making a huge difference.
“It makes things so much easier, these are things that are going to last me for the next 20 years, you have got no idea how much it’s changed my life.”
As the Limestone Coast region celebrates its first anniversary of the NDIS on October 1, Trevor said the Millicent community had been nothing but supportive and encouraged others who may be hesitant to ask for help to do so.
“My community is unbelievable, they just help me.
“Being a small country town, I used to help everyone out and now no one’s got a problem helping me.
“Ask for help if you need it, it might take some time to get the things you need but once you have got them you’re set for life.”
The Limestone Coast region covers the Local Government Areas of Grant, Kingston, Naracoorte Lucindale, Mount Gambier, Robe, Tatiara and Wattle Range.
National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) engagement and inclusion branch manager Matthew Wright said the first anniversary of the NDIS in the Limestone Coast region was an important milestone, as the roll out of one of the largest social reforms in Australia’s history.
“The NDIS is already empowering 653 local people in the Limestone Coast region – with more than 18,500 people receiving support across South Australia, including more than 9400 people receiving supports for the first time,” he said.
The scheme is expected to support more than 32,000 people in South Australia.
