Wicked idea seals Dion his own small business

Two years ago, Gold Coast resident Dion Reweti faced the daunting prospect of unemployment after the company he worked for went into receivership. Fortunately his small business idea – providing functional, high performance wheelchairs – had the makings of a successful venture. Wicked Wheelchairs was born, with the success of the business seeing Dion recently employ his first full-time staff member.

After sustaining a spinal cord injury following a motorcycle accident 25 years ago which left him with paraplegia, Dion was a wheelchair salesman for six years before the company closed. He had also spent 10 years in wheelchair manufacturing before getting into sales, and boasted more than 18 years experience in all facets of the industry.

After talking to a friend about what his future options were, Dion decided to set up his own business from home.

Through the Spinal Injuries Association’s Employment Options (EO) service, co-ordinator Tania Campbell-Goossen and staff worked closely with Dion to identify the equipment he would need, because of his disability, to perform the duties of his role. They then helped apply for funding through the Workplace Modifications Scheme, administered by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

Once the funding was approved, Dion installed warehouse racking in his garage, cruise and hand controls for his car and a stainless steel wash tub to clean wheelchair cushions. The money also bought work benches, computer equipment and a height-adjustable desk – all related to things Dion was having difficulty doing from his wheelchair.

Last month, Tania and Dion shared their knowledge of EO and Workplace Modifications Scheme funding by presenting at the ACE Annual Disability Employment Network Conference in Canberra.

ACE is the peak body for Australia’s Disability Employment Network, with hundreds of service providers and dozens of delegates from industry bodies, through to politicians, attending the three-day conference.

In her 10 years with the Spinal Injuries Association, Tania has overseen more than 150 funding submissions to the Workplace Modifications Scheme.

As a registered Rehabilitation Counsellor, Tania works with both the client and employer to analyse what needs they both have.

She then provides advice on workplace barriers such as desks and cabinets that are too high, hallways which may be too narrow and adaptive computer software that may need to be provided.

Just some of the companies Tania has worked with include the Brisbane City Council, University of Queensland, Queensland Health, Morayfield Bulk Mulch Suppliers and Women’s Legal Services, plus many more self-employed clients like Dion.

Tania lists the challenge of meeting new people and finding solutions in barriers in employment for her clients the most satisfying part of her job.

“For me it’s about the person’s smile when they are able to do a task by themselves for the first time, or the increase in someone’s self esteem because they are out there tackling new tasks and taking on new challenges,” Tania said.

For Dion, the Workplace Modifications Scheme meant the difference between being unemployed or having his own thriving business.

From taking one order a month when the business began in 2006, Dion now processes at least five orders each week, and recently secured several new contracts in related areas. Wicked Wheelchairs is also the major sponsor for the Spinning Bullets, Brisbane’s national league wheelchair basketball team.

“I love working for myself and because I’m in a wheelchair myself, I can relate to my customers,” Dion said.

“Having empathy goes a long way in this business.”

Issued 31 July 2008.