Inspiration

The DisAbled Recreation Club was founded by Darren Lomman.

"I first became involved in helping people with disabilities as an engineering student when I had a chance meeting with a paraplegic in a hospital car park. After a getting into a long conversation with him, I soon learnt we had something major in common – we were both enormous motorcycling fans. During this conversation he said to me “if I had one wish, it would be to ride again”. Instantly I decided to take on this dream as part of my third year mechanical engineering project.

After several months of research into disabilities I began designing and building a custom motorcycle. Two and a half years later I had a fully working prototype with hand controls, stabilisers and ergonomic supports. In October of 2005 I was invited to give a presentation about this project at the Australian Engineering and Physical Sciences in Medicine conference. After my presentation of “Motorcycling Freedom: A Paraplegics Dream”, I was honourably named the 2005 Young Biomedical Engineer of the Year.

Inspired by this title I began pondering how I could encourage more young engineers to utilise their skills to design more equipment that could potentially make other peoples dreams come true.

Using the money I had won in a few competitions such as Nescafe Big Break, I started a business called Dreamfit which would specialise in the design of recreational equipment for people with disabilities. I then purchased a ski boat and a hovercraft which I later took to the university and proposed that students assist in their modification as part of their course work. The university loved the idea and quickly agreed to be involved."