For Simone—a NDIS participant, disability advocate and public speaker—living independently isn’t just important, it’s who she is. Born three months premature and given very little chance of survival, Simone has spent 52 years proving people wrong and embracing life with determination, humour and heart.

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A life of love, resilience and advocacy

Simone and her husband Richard have been married for 29 years after meeting on the school bus. Richard sat next to her one day and started talking, and a friendship developed which blossomed into love. On her wedding day, Simone walked down the aisle—much to everyone’s amazement—in a dress handmade by her mum, with her dad proudly at her side.

Two teddy bears made by her sister Tracey still sit in Simone’s home today, treasured reminders of that special day.

Family is central to Simone’s world. As one of four siblings and aunty to eight, she describes their catch‑ups as “total chaos—but I love it.”

Advocacy has always been a key part of Simone’s life. One of her proudest achievements, is that she was involved in the early rollout of wheelchair‑accessible bus programs, helping educate drivers and improve accessible transport across Victoria and interstate.

“I was the guinea pig for that program,” she says with a smile.

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Breaking down misconceptions

Even with her accomplishments, Simone faces assumptions about her abilities.
“People think I can’t speak for myself. They talk to the carer instead of me. They see the chair, not the person,” she explains.

While her disability means she now needs help with some tasks—especially as her fatigue increases with age—Simone values choice and independence. For her, doing things herself matters, getting dressed, making coffee, or heading out into the community.

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Why Simone chose MePACS

Simone has used MePACS for around 10 years. After experiencing falls at home—and with family unable to lift her safely—she wanted a reliable way to reach help anytime she needed it.

“I call them Sim’s Angels,” she says.

She usually tucks her alarm into her shirt but proudly explains it to anyone who asks, especially her curious young nephews.
“If Aunty Sim presses the button, someone will help her.”

She also introduces new carers to the system to make sure they understand how important it is for her safety and independence.

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Help when she needs it most

Simone has used her MePACS alarm during several falls.

“MePACS have been very helpful. I’ve pressed the button and told them I can’t get up, and they’ve called my brother or my sisters. They haven’t had to call an ambulance very often—my family would rather come and help.”

The warm, reassuring tone from MePACS responders means a lot to her. Even on the days when she sleeps in, the MePACS Daily Call gives her and her family peace of mind.

“‘Hi Sim, how are you, are you okay today?’—that’s always the first thing they say. It’s very positive.”

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Peace of mind for everyone

Simone describes herself as a “roving MePACS supporter,” recommending the service to neighbours and friends.

“It’s peace of mind for everybody. Falls are a big issue for me as I age. With the alarm, I have help 24/7—no matter where I am.”

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Living life to the fullest

Simone’s social life is just as vibrant as her personality. She loves dinners with friends, themed nights at the local hotel, and the occasional dance floor moment—like the time she spun her heavy wheel chair perfectly in sync to Kylie Minogue’s Spinning Around.

“I was the only one in the whole place who could do it!” she laughs.

Her bucket list includes travelling to Queensland to visit family, and expanding her work as a public speaker. She’s passionate about sharing her experiences growing up with a disability and building a marriage that challenges the misconceptions people often hold.

When she’s at home, Simone enjoys knitting one‑handed, watching movies, and reading e‑books late at night when sleep doesn’t come easily.

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A message from Simone

To anyone considering MePACS, Simone’s advice is simple:

“Independence is everything. MePACS gives me confidence. If something happens, I just press the magic button and know help is there.”

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