At the age of 16, Dean received a life-changing grant of $6,999, which was instrumental in acquiring a Smart Drive for his manual wheelchair.

In March 2012, Dean suffered a spinal cord injury when he dove into a river. This injury left him with quadriplegia, significantly affecting his mobility and the use of his arms and hands. Despite the challenges, Dean is determined to maintain his independence and lead an active life. Unfortunately, the repetitive motion of pushing his wheelchair resulted in tennis elbow in both elbows.

The Smart Drive has been a game-changer for Dean, reducing fatigue and relieving stress on his upper limbs. This power assist device attaches to his manual wheelchair, providing an extra boost as he pushes it. It's lightweight and easy to install and remove, granting Dean greater access to his community and enabling participation in various activities with his peers. This newfound independence has not only improved Dean's self-esteem but has also enhanced his overall quality of life.