Power wheelchairs open new horizons for disabled Kiwis

A $3.5 million Government project is aimed at getting 100 people with progressive conditions including Multiple Sclerosis and Cerebral Palsy, into high-performance power wheelchairs, exploring the benefits of high tech in the disability sector, Disability Issues Minister Louise Upston has announced.

“This is a really exciting opportunity for our Disability Support Services team to work with provider Enable New Zealand on a project funded from Budget 2025,” Louise Upston says.

“In this research project, high-performance power wheelchairs are going to people aged 14 years and older, who would benefit from a power wheelchair to improve independence, participation, and quality of life.

“It’s a two-year programme, and the Government is really excited to fund meaningful research evaluating social and economic benefits for the disability community.

“I’m proud that our Government is thinking differently about how technology can improve the lives of disabled people, families and carers. That’s why I asked DSS to consider a project like this, where technology could demonstrably improve outcomes.

“International research shows that having the right wheelchair matters for things like increased independence and mental wellbeing, and broader outcomes such as engagement in education, training, or work. This project aims to test these assumptions in the New Zealand context.

“Earlier access to high-performance power wheelchairs can reduce dependence on carers and prevent injuries and hospital admissions. While cheaper options might provide short term cost-savings, they can also drive higher long-term health and support costs, which end up costing disabled people, and New Zealand, more.

“The project will monitor and evaluate the benefits that access to the right wheelchair can provide to people with progressive conditions. Findings will inform the future provision of equipment, and will also inform future policy, funding, and investment decisions.

“Using disability research innovation ‘activation mapping’, participants will have their experiences tracked over time to understand intervention impacts.

“Assistive technology is essential to the wellbeing and social participation of many disabled New Zealanders, and I’m committed to improving access and outcomes for disabled people,” Louise Upston says. ...