“Not just wheels, it’s independence”: Vann’s Wizzybug story

“Vann was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type 1 as a baby, and since then our family has been navigating what access, independence and opportunity can look like for him.

When Vann was 16 months old, our local occupational therapist organised a Wizzybug through Yooralla. 

To be honest, I was nervous at first. I wondered how such a young child would manage a powered wheelchair. Would he understand it? Would he cope with the responsibility?

I was completely wrong.

Within three weeks, Vann had mastered it. He was confidently driving around the house and even doing three-point turns to line himself up with doorways! 

It was a powerful reminder that children are incredibly capable when given the opportunity. They rise to the challenge when we expect them to.

Living in Tasmania, we don’t have many short-term equipment rental options, especially in regional areas. That’s why it was so incredible that Yooralla connected with our local team to make this happen. 

The process was simple and supportive after filling out the forms, the Wizzybug arrived at our door. Just like that, Vann had a new way to explore his world.

The Wizzybug has given Vann the opportunity for movement, independence and choice. Instead of waiting to be moved, he can decide where he wants to go. Instead of watching from the sidelines, he can join in.

When Vann is in his Wizzybug, we see a different level of confidence. 

He interacts more, plays alongside other children, and his cheeky personality really shines. 

At the moment, his favourite activity is pretending he’s driving a firetruck around the house beeping and reversing with great importance! You often hear him saying “beep beep beep” as he reverses himself into tight spaces! 

The Wizzy gives Vann opportunity to interact with his peers at school and explore his environment independently.  You will often find him trying to escape our backyard to go see the cows or tractors! 

Yooralla has also been wonderful in extending the hire while we wait for Vann’s very own wheelchair to arrive. Any time we’ve had a question or small issue, their team has responded quickly and worked with us to find practical solutions. They truly partner with families, not just provide equipment.

As Vann’s parents, we are incredibly proud of him. Every single day he shows up and does hard things with determination and joy. The Wizzybug hasn’t just been a piece of equipment it has been freedom, confidence and possibility.

On International Wheelchair Day, we want to say thank you to Yooralla for giving our son the opportunity to move through his world on his own terms. For Vann, his Wizzybug isn’t just wheels, it’s independence.”