Toowoomba opens heart for boy forced to use wheelbarrow

THE mother of a boy forced to use a wheelbarrow while he waited for his new motorised wheelchair to be approved has been shocked by the community response.

Jody Ezzy and her son Angus Hopkins and dog Boss. Angus needs a new wheelchair but NDIS keeps stalling. His mother uses a wheelbarrow to move him around outside. April 2019. Picture: Bev Lacey

THE mother of a boy forced to use a wheelbarrow while he waited for his new motorised wheelchair to be approved by the National Disability Insurance Scheme has been shocked by the community response to his plight.

Nine-year-old Angus Hopkins, who has cerebral palsy, was featured on yesterday's front page of The Chronicle in the barrow his family used to pull him around after he outgrew his old wheelchair.

His mother Jody Ezzy said she had been told by the NDIS the approval could take up to two years.

The incredible story drew in other media as well as a massive response online, with hundreds of residents wanting to contribute funds towards a new wheelchair, while dozens of people offered their own equipment to Angus.

Ms Ezzy said she had been overwhelmed by people's generosity.

"I've got about 30 messages (on my phone) from random people wanting to support us," she said.

"The response has been amazing, and I appreciate so much what people have done - it's true Aussie spirit."

Ms Ezzy said while the offers of money and equipment were appreciated, what she wanted was for the NDIS to function as it should for everyone.

She also hoped to use the new-found attention to help others.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to somehow get up some not-for-profit advocacy program for people with a disability," Ms Ezzy said.

"A knee-jerk reaction from the NDIS is not going to help anyone else but Angus.

"If we can use this momentum to get something going for our area, maybe it's just a way we can get a little change."

A spokeswoman for the National Disability Insurance Agency said it would work with the family, but couldn't give exact time frames.

"Where information, including assessments from an allied health professional, is provided it assists the NDIA with decisions about the type of supports included in a participant's plan, to ensure their suitability," she said.

"The NDIA will continue to work closely with his family in their recent request for a new wheelchair, which is progressing."

Many followers on The Chronicle's Facebook page expressed their shock at the story, while others pointed out how familiar Angus' situation was.

"This is horrific, is there somewhere we can donate - this is not acceptable," Kat Cherry wrote.

"It's more common than people realise. Every day is a fight for those who need assistance," Peta Fraser added.

To contact Ms Ezzy about creating a advocacy program, email [e-mail].

Originally published as Toowoomba opens heart for boy forced to use wheelbarrow