Three years ago Trevor Carthew was employed in the panel beating industry as a quality controller. Trevor is married, has two sons and lives in his own home in suburban Hamilton.

Two years ago some tingling sensations in his hands sent him off to the doctor for investigations as to their cause. He was diagnosed as having compression of the spinal cord, and surgery to relieve this compression was decided as the best course to take. Trevor had previously had surgery following an accident in 1981. However this latest surgery left Trevor unable to walk independently and left him with limited function of both hands. Trevor is now dependent on a wheelchair for mobility, requires assistance for his personal cares and can no longer work. ACC decided that Trevor wasn't covered by them for the damage resulting from his surgery. His age, he's 54yrs, and his medical condition, he has Cerebral Palsy, were the reasons they gave for him being ineligible.

Finally at home with no job and no prospect of returning to work, with time on his hands for the first time in his life, Trevor turned his attention to his computer to follow his interest in cars and to communicate with his friends and family via email. Even this was now denied to Trevor. Because he was now in a wheelchair, he was unable to get under the computer table and close enough to reach the keyboard, and because of his loss of hand function he was unable to use the mouse. TalkLink clinicians trialed different devices with Trevor so that he could access the computer and found that the best method was to sit the computer on a height adjustable table (which could be further raised or lowered depending on Trevor's wheelchair needs) and a specialised joystick to replace the mouse. Now he has access to his computer, and a means of filling his day a little more, following his interests and his emails. Funding was denied to Trevor by the Ministry of Health as Trevor is no longer working, nor is he a student - the criteria for funding.

The government's inability to fund people like Trevor, who've spent many years as taxpayers, seems unreasonable. Thanks to the Freemasons, this is all now history. Trevor has had a table and joystick funded for him by a Hamilton Chapter, and as you can see from the photo, is one happy email demon!!

Raewyn Aprea
Occupational Therapist
TalkLink Trust