How the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) helps Gold Coast families

After he was involved in a tragic motorcycle accident, Matthew Kuhne was left a quadriplegic. Here is how the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) has helped his family.

GOLD Coaster Matthew Kuhne says going to the beach with his kids for the first time in 11 years is a testimony to how his life has radically changed.

The 31-year-old former professional motorbike rider was involved in a tragic motorcycle accident 10 years ago, which left him a quadriplegic. Until a year ago, his family paid for all his care.

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However, when his equipment needed to be replaced urgently, he decided to join the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

“One of the wheels on my wheelchair was locked forward and I was sitting on towels instead of a proper cushion,” the father of two said.

Matthew Kuhne with his wife, Kylie, their son, Levi, and daughter, Aisha.

Through the NDIS, he received funding for a new wheelchair, new shower chair and cushion, tracks to allow him to go on rougher surfaces and a SmartDrive — a wheelchair attachment that powers him up hills.

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“I couldn’t afford to buy any of that,” he said. “I’ve been able to go to the beach with the kids for the first time in 11 years. It’s little things like that which are giving us experiences to live a normal life.

“The kids love the theme parks but my wife couldn’t push me and the pram around. The new equipment has given me independence and I can go to the theme parks myself.

“We’re able to do more family things now,” Mr Kuhne said.

“That’s probably the biggest thing — more access to the kids, to be there for them, instead of sitting on the sidelines watching them. I’m actually involved in the stuff they do now.

“It’s life changing,” he said.

Matthew Kuhne with his wife, Kylie, their son, Levi, and daughter, Aisha.

Mr Kuhne also receives funding for support workers who help him in the mornings to get ready and provide support at home, as well as funding for physiotherapy to improve his strength.
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“On my first day, I couldn’t get the smile off my face. They’ve got me in a standing frame. That, in itself, should help with my strength and to be as independent as I can be.”

Mr Kuhne and his family live with his parents, but he said their goal was to one day move out as a family and live independently.