Rolf Wehrend dreams of getting onto the beach; something he hasn’t been able to do for almost a decade.
It’s the first place the Morningside local wants to visit now he has received his new motorised beach wheelchair from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in June.
Rolf, who has a spinal cord injury and has used a wheelchair for 40 years, last visited the beach during a visit to Bargara in 2011. However, he found it difficult with a manual wheelchair.
“I grew up at Peregian Beach and used to surf and swim. I love the water and beach fishing, but usually I have to stay on the dunes or pathway,” he said.
With his new versatile wheelchair, Rolf can’t wait to visit the Sunshine Coast, but will give it a shot even closer to home to test it out first.
“The wheelchair is like a four-wheel-drive on the sand. I may go visit the Sunshine Coast to test it on the beach, but I am also waiting on a trailer as well to cart it around.
“From my home I will be able to get it into a taxi, so I may take it to Wynnum first to give it a try.”
Rolf also accesses other NDIS supports, including wheelchair repairs, a humidifier, a shower chair and consumables.
“I wouldn’t be able to pay for all this equipment myself, so having the NDIS is great,” he said.
Rolf received assistance to apply for and implement his NDIS funding from Carers Queensland’s NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Program for the Brisbane region.
Carers Queensland can support you to find out more about the NDIS, to apply for funding and to help you get started.
If you have a disability, but are not eligible for the NDIS, Carers Queensland can also help you identify and link to options for support in your community.
To find out more about how the NDIS and Local Area Coordination program can work for you, contact Carers Queensland on 1300 999 636, or cq.enquiries@ndis.gov.au.
