Shaun's Story: Finding Purpose Through Sport

When Shaun Millet applied for the NDIS in 2016, he was navigating uncharted territory. With a rare diagnosis and little precedent to follow, gathering the right documentation and being understood by the system was a significant challenge. He was finally approved in mid-to-late 2017 but even then, his journey with the scheme was just beginning.

“The NDIS is the land of a thousand acronyms,” Shaun says. “So many terms sound the same, and it’s tricky to understand unless you have someone who really knows the language and the hoops you have to jump through.”

Despite the hurdles, Shaun is grateful for what the NDIS has enabled him to achieve. “I have deep respect for the founding of the NDIS. It’s played a big role in my success. But it can still be hard to navigate.”

When asked what advice he would give to others who are struggling, Shaun is clear: “If you don’t feel like you’re being heard or respected, find someone who knows what they’re doing and who also respects you. Having confidence is so important, but if you don’t have that yet, find someone who will back you until you do.”

Unfortunately, Shaun experienced providers who overpromised and underdelivered. It wasn’t until he connected with people who truly respected his autonomy and understood his goals that he was able to use his plan effectively.

A life-changing discovery

In 2018, Shaun stumbled across something that would change his life, by complete accident.

“I’m a pretty stubborn person,” he laughs. “It was the first time I had a support worker helping me get out into the community, and we came across a disability expo with sport and recreation activities. There was this little tent with a really fancy-looking wheelchair and a guy named Luke, who’s now my team captain!”

At that point, Shaun hadn’t fully accepted his disability as part of his identity. But something about the experience piqued his curiosity.

“I decided, against my better judgment, to go to an open training session. I told myself I probably wouldn’t like it but I thought, ‘Why not?’ It turned out to be the biggest decision I’ve ever made.”

From that moment on, Shaun was hooked.

“Try getting me through a conversation now without talking about sport, it’s a personality flaw at this point!” he jokes. “That training session gave me something I didn’t think I could find: a sense of family within the disability community.”

The following week, he showed up two hours early. Since then, he hasn’t missed a session by choice.

“This isn’t just a group of people hitting a ball around. It’s the best physiotherapy, the best community, and the best support network I could’ve imagined. I’ve made friends internationally. I’ve found employment. I coach. All because I gave this little sport a chance. Without that moment and without the NDIS, I would be a very different person today.”

A leader on and off the court

Shaun now plays both powerchair football and powerchair hockey. He’s a member of the Australian Sliders national training squad, the captain of the Melbourne Hunters Division One team, and the coach of Division Two.

“Coaching is stressful but incredibly rewarding. I’ve explained what sport means to me, but coaching gives me the chance to see that same transformation in others. Watching people gain confidence and skills, it’s unlike anything else.”

But despite the power of sport, access remains a major barrier, particularly when it comes to the equipment.

The difference equipment makes

Everyday powerchairs are designed for comfort and mobility. Sports chairs, however, are purpose-built. They have reinforced frames, safety cages, powerful motors for speed and stability, and must meet specific sport regulations.

“For example,” Shaun explains, “in powerchair hockey, the ball has to be able to roll underneath the chair. If your chair sits too low, it’s not legal. Right now, I’m playing hockey in my football chair, which isn’t allowed in competition outside of Australia”.

“It’s disheartening,” Shaun admits. “Powerchair sports are expensive to get into. The chairs cost tens of thousands of dollars, and funding is extremely limited. Right now, the NDIS doesn’t fund sports equipment or programs anymore, and that’s heartbreaking because of how life-changing this has been for me.”

With the 2026 International Powerchair Hockey World Championships in Pajulahti, Finland on the horizon, Shaun has a clear goal: to represent Australia. But he can’t do that without a regulation chair.

“My limitation right now isn’t my disability, it’s my equipment. Every day after work, I’m out on the court training. But without the right chair, I am limited.”

Shaun is currently fundraising for a new powerchair, but it hasn’t been easy.

“Funding for powerchair sport is incredibly hard to come by. But everything I do now is to grow this sport that has given me so much.”

Looking to the future

When asked about future athletes, Shaun has a message for people with disability who are unsure about trying sport:

“I’ve been there. I didn’t think this could ever be part of my life. Now, it’s everything. I understand the hesitation, but I promise you, it’s worth the risk. Worst-case scenario, you’ve spent an afternoon trying something new. Best-case? It might change your life.”

When Tahlya asks Shaun what needs to change, he stresses exposure is everything.

“These sports need recognition and visibility. Powerchair sport isn’t in the Paralympics, which blows my mind. Without that exposure, people don’t see it and without visibility, we get less funding, fewer players, and fewer opportunities.”

Tahlya puts to Shaun, “What’s Next? Outside of sport?”

“Nothing,” Shaun grins. “Sport is it.”

Shaun GoFundMe campaign has the goal of raising $28,000. To thank his donors, he will be engraving the names of the top ten donors onto a brass plaque that will be installed on the chair. Find his campaign here!

Please share Shaun’s campaign with friends, family or local business. If you are in a position to do so any donation is much appreciated, with every amount helping.