Travelling Overseas With a New Wheelchair — A Real-World Case Study

At Life Solutions OT, we recently supported a client to travel internationally with a newly prescribed wheelchair. The trip to South Korea was a meaningful milestone, but what made it particularly significant was everything that had led up to it.

A journey that started well before the wheelchair

Shem's story with Life Solutions OT didn't begin with a wheelchair assessment. It began with NDIS access. We supported Shem through the full application process, helping him understand his eligibility, build his supporting evidence, and navigate a system that can feel overwhelming without the right guidance.

From there, we worked together through his first NDIS plan — identifying his goals, understanding what funding categories applied, and making sure the supports he needed were actually reflected in his plan. Over time, that support has translated into a range of assistive technology and home modifications that have genuinely transformed his day-to-day life:

- Front and rear access ramps for safe entry and exit at home

- An electric height-adjustable bed to support safe transfers and sleep positioning

- A new commode for dignified and independent bathroom access

- An Apex-C rigid frame wheelchair with Abler DuoDrive power assist

Each of these outcomes required assessment, justification, and coordination through the NDIS — and each one has contributed to Shem being able to live more independently and safely at home.

The wheelchair prescription

The Apex-C rigid frame wheelchair paired with the Abler DuoDrive power assist system was prescribed following a detailed wheelchair and seating assessment. This combination offers a lightweight, responsive manual chair with intelligent power assistance — well suited to someone who is active and wants to move independently across a variety of environments.

What made the South Korea trip particularly interesting was the timing. The equipment was delivered just one week before departure. There were understandable concerns around airline handling, equipment reliability, and limited familiarisation time. After thorough setup, education, and a pre-travel review, we supported Shem's decision to proceed — and his confidence proved well-founded.

The outcome

- Used the wheelchair independently throughout the entire trip

- Relied on the power assist system daily across varied environments

- No issues with flights, airport handling, or transport

- Returned home with greater confidence and skill

Notably, Shem reported that travelling actually accelerated his learning. Being immersed in real-world environments — navigating public transport, tourist locations, and crowded urban spaces — fast-tracked his independence with the chair in ways that clinical practice alone may not have achieved.

Performance in real-world environments

The wheelchair and power assist performed well across urban environments, tourist locations, public transport, and busy community settings. The cruise control feature was particularly valuable for navigating hilly terrain, maintaining consistent speed both uphill and downhill and meaningfully reducing fatigue over long days.

Some minor challenges were noted on uneven surfaces such as cobblestones and sloped footpaths — consistent with the expected performance profile of a rigid frame chair in older urban settings, and not out of the ordinary for international travel.

Impact on independence

Perhaps the most significant outcome was the reduction in reliance on support workers for mobility throughout the trip. Shem was able to move through unfamiliar environments on his own terms — a shift that carries real meaning well beyond the holiday itself, and one that reflects the cumulative impact of well-matched, well-funded supports.

"If you want to travel, go travel. Go everywhere and try — you'll figure it out while you're there."

— Shem, Life Solutions OT client

What this means for NDIS participants

Shem's story is a good reminder that the NDIS, when navigated well, can fund supports that genuinely change what is possible for someone. It also highlights that wheelchair prescription is not just about function at home — it is about enabling the life a person wants to live. Getting the right chair, with the right setup and education, matters enormously.

If you are in Adelaide and looking for support with NDIS access, wheelchair and seating assessments, assistive technology, or home modifications, Life Solutions OT provides mobile, in-home consultations across metropolitan Adelaide and surrounding regions including the Adelaide Hills, Southern Adelaide, Victor Harbor, and McLaren Vale.