At APEX Mobility and Motion Composites, the Wishes for Wheels program was created with a simple goal: to ensure that people who need life-changing mobility equipment aren’t left behind simply because funding isn’t available. Every wheelchair delivered through the program represents more than equipment - it represents independence, confidence, and the ability to participate fully in everyday life.
Julian Trueman, the very first Australian recipient of Wishes for Wheels, recently received his custom Motion Composites wheelchair through the program. In this interview, Julian shares what life was like before his new chair, the moment he realised how much had changed, and how having the right wheelchair has allowed him to return to study, community, and the everyday experiences many of us take for granted.
1. What was the first thing you noticed after using your new wheelchair compared to your previous chair?
The first thing I noticed was how natural it felt. I’d gotten so used to having to pay close attention to everything - trying to stay upright, countering the broken parts of the chair, evaluating every bump and obstacle for how likely it was to catch the broken caster and pitch me onto the ground again. It took me a moment to realise what I was feeling the first day with my new chair, and it was that I felt calm! It sometimes seems like a simple thing, sitting upright or moving along a footpath, but I used to feel like all my time and energy went to either trying to find a way to compensate for the things I was physically struggling with or figuring out how to explain myself to others when I just couldn’t do something. It’s amazing how much bigger the world feels when you don’t have to feel anxious that something will go wrong and you won’t be able to move. Feeling calm and comfortable in my body and my chair again is something I’m really grateful for, and my new chair just feels right.
2. How has your day-to-day independence changed since receiving the chair?
My new chair has been really wonderful for day to day independence. From simple things like being able to sit upright to do things around the house, to getting to more of my own appointments by myself instead of relying on my support worker or support network. I’ve been able to keep up with more of my physiotherapy, and been able to study, enjoy hobbies, and work on projects - even for longer periods of time, when I used to have to go lay down because being in my old chair for too long hurt and I would slump forward too much. Having the choice of what I do, where I go, and how long I spend doing something is a major foundation for being independent for me, especially not having to rely on anyone else to help me. I’m thankful that I have had people help me, from friends to my support worker to complete strangers who were kind, but having the freedom to get around my home and my community by myself has been such a positive change in my life.
3. Has the wheelchair helped you return to activities, study, or social experiences that were difficult before?
I’ve been excited to dive back into study this year, now that I can get to campus and stay upright for the duration of my classes now. I’ve also found it easier to get out and about; going to a shopping centre, having a coffee with a friend, visiting places I love to go, or even just sitting at the kitchen table chopping vegetables or idly doing things around my house.
I don’t think I’d actually understood how big of a difference it can make to just be able to keep your posture as upright as your body will let you, and move without unreasonable struggle, until I got my new chair. I had accepted that some things were just going to not be possible for me - or if they were possible, would be painful and risk injuries - and having my new chair has shown me that I don’t have to accept that those things are impossible. I can be a part of my university classroom again, I’m really passionate about my study and it means a lot to know that my participation and potential isn’t being defined by my disability as much as it was before I could reliably sit upright, make it through the lectures, or even get to university at all. I get to focus and learn, and apply myself in a way that shows what I’m capable of and what I’m working hard to achieve.
4. Is there a moment since receiving the chair that really stood out to you?
It feels a little mundane, but what really stood out to me was the first day I went home from the bus stop. I live on a small hill - not too steep, really. Enough that going to the bus stop I just brake downhill for the last half of the journey. With my old chair, it was really difficult to get home even before it got to its broken state, and I was always exhausted with sore shoulders when I got home. With my new chair, I realised as I turned onto my street that I had gone up the hill with no problem at all. I got home, went inside, and realised I could just continue my day, no need to stop and look after any aches or injuries, no need to rest for an hour. And that’s been the case every day since!
I’ve really loved seeing the ways my new chair has changed things, too. The backrest and cushion helping me keep my spine straighter has been wonderful, and my physio likes that too. The wheel camber seems to make a huge difference on the average footpath, which my shoulders have really appreciated. The lighter frame makes getting it in and out of a car by myself much easier, and also makes it easier for anyone assisting me. My new chair is so quiet compared to my always-clanking old one, and I feel so much less self conscious in public without the constant noise. And everything moves so intuitively and smoothly that I don’t have to think about a thing. I know what I can do and I know my chair can do it with me. There’s no more of that sense of separation, between my body as “me” and my chair as an object. In just a few short months it’s already hard to remember that I ever lived any differently. It’s like my new chair has always been here. I remember talking about wishing I could move without having to think about it, without the constant worry and vigilance. And this chair really has granted that wish.
5. What would you say to someone who might be considering applying for Wishes for Wheels?
It’s worth it. It can be hard asking for support like this, especially since Wishes for Wheels aims to help those who don’t have access to other funding sources like the NDIS. It can wear us down, trying to access the equipment we need and running into wall after wall. And the application process can feel a bit vulnerable, because sharing your life and struggles in writing can be overwhelming. But having a wheelchair that is made for you and your needs is worth it. APEX Mobility were really attentive and supportive during the whole process, and the outcome has made such a difference to my life. Even if you end up applying across multiple rounds, it’s worth the effort it takes, to not have to be limited in your access to a wheelchair that works for you. Feeling comfortable in my body again and being able to live life without feeling held back by my mobility has made the world more accessible, and it’s something I wish everyone had access to. It’s worth applying, because having a disability doesn’t have to be the barriers that ill-fitting equipment and inaccessible systems force us up against - and having a wheelchair that suits you and your needs is a big part of making our world bigger again.
6. Looking ahead, what are you most excited to be able to do with your new wheels?
I’m most excited to be able to just be a part of things again. I like that when my friends want to go get a coffee or there’s a restaurant that looks interesting, I can just go again. Where things once took excessive and unreasonable amounts of planning, I can go without worrying! I’m excited to have some of the experiences I’ve felt weren’t possible for me before as well - I really like going to wildlife sanctuaries, so I’m excited to be able to go further afield and spend some time in places with animals around me.
Julian’s story highlights the profound impact that properly fitted assistive technology can have on someone’s life. The right wheelchair doesn’t just improve mobility - it restores confidence, independence, and the freedom to engage with the world. Through Wishes for Wheels, APEX Mobility and Motion Composites are proud to help make these moments possible, ensuring more people have access to equipment that truly supports their goals, ambitions, and everyday lives.
If you or someone you know uses a wheelchair and could benefit from a high-end ultralightweight manual chair, but don’t have the financial means to obtain one, we encourage you to apply for the Wishes for Wheels Program. The application is simple, straightforward, and can be completed entirely online.
Learn more about the Wishes for Wheels Program or apply today!