Gabrielle is a 16 year old girl who is about to commence her senior years at secondary school. She presents with a diagnosis of spina bifida, and up until now used a manual wheelchair for mobility. Gabrielle was very keen to be independent with her mobility. However, limited strength in her upper limbs meant she was unable to self-propel her manual wheelchair in certain conditions, for example, ramps, rough or uneven terrain, and long distances. Gabrielle was in need of an adult-sized wheelchair to independently access the community, for example, using ramps at railway stations, travelling distances, and covering terrain needed to travel to the local shops (and later tertiary settings or work). Thanks to the assistance of the John Maclean Foundation, Gabrielle now enjoys her independence and freedom to move about and interact with the community, attend school and socialise with her friends and family with most other young adults. Gabrielle and her family attended the John Maclean Foundation official presentation of funds at the Urban Hotel in St Kilda February 9th.
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