Clubmates Travel
Duncan's Journey to Independence: How Supported Travel Helped Him Grow From Fearful to Fearless
Posted on December 18, 2025 by Matilda Negri
Reading time about 9 minutes
Duncan’s story is a powerful reminder that confidence grows step by step. When we first met him, he wanted to see the world but didn’t quite believe he could. He used a motorised wheelchair, had been avoiding beaches and pools for nearly 20 years, and felt anxious about almost everything that travel involved. What he needed was not just a trip. He needed the right support, the right guidance, and the space to grow at his own pace.
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At ClubMates Travel, this is exactly what supported travel is designed for. With trained specialists by his side, Duncan discovered not only new places, but new parts of himself.
Who Duncan Was Before the Journey
Before his first tour, Duncan described himself as constantly worried. He relied heavily on his motorised wheelchair, which he lovingly called his Ferrari, and didn’t want to risk damaging it. So for his first supported tour overseas, he took his manual chair instead.
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He had avoided water for two decades. He felt unsure of his physical ability, nervous about airports and crowds, and uncertain about whether he could cope away from home. Like many travellers with mobility challenges, he wanted independence but didn’t know how to reach it safely.
The Barriers Holding Him Back
For Duncan, the roadblocks were emotional, physical, and practical:
- Fear of unfamiliar environments
- Lack of physical strength and confidence
- Anxiety about travel logistics
- Difficulty trusting new situations
- Worry about safety and mobilityÂ
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These barriers are exactly why specialist travel support workers exist. With the right team beside you, what feels impossible becomes achievable.
The First Supported Trip: Building Trust and Safety
Duncan’s first journey with Peter was to the United States. He arrived nervous, tense, and on edge. Peter described him as jumpy, constantly anticipating that something might go wrong. But day by day, small steps turned into big progress.
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The most significant breakthrough happened in the water. On day one, Duncan would only enter the pool if Peter remained close enough to touch. He was terrified of losing his balance or drifting away.
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But with calm, consistent encouragement, Duncan slowly let go.
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By the end of the trip, he was duck diving under the water on his own and swimming back to the pool’s edge without assistance. What began as fear ended in pride. It was a true capacity building milestone, created through gentle exposure and specialised support.
The Second Trip: Stronger, Fitter, and Ready for More
Something changed when Duncan came home. He started going to the gym, building strength and stamina that gave him more control over his mobility. He knew he wanted to travel again, and this time he arrived more confident and capable.
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On his second supported tour to America, Duncan and Peter explored Disneyland and San Francisco. They covered more ground, took on more activities, and saw more sights than the first trip. Duncan’s fitness, mindset, and trust in himself had grown dramatically.
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Supported travel isn’t just about going somewhere. It’s about helping someone realise just how much they can do.
The Third Trip: The Moment Everything Clicked
A little later, Duncan called Peter with a new dream: he wanted to visit Canada. Peter began outlining how they could plan another supported tour. But Duncan had something else in mind.
He said, “I think I want to do it by myself.”
This was the same man who once feared water, crowds, and unfamiliar environments. Now he was ready to plan and manage his own international journey.
And he did.
He booked his own accommodation.
He organised his own care.
He took his motorised wheelchair.
He travelled overseas independently for the first time.
It was an extraordinary achievement. For him, it was freedom. For us, it was the exact outcome supported travel aims to create.
The Outcomes: Duncan's Transformation
Duncan’s growth can be seen in every part of his life:
- Greater independence
- Confidence in unfamiliar environments
- Improved physical strenght and stamina
- Emotional regulation and resilience
- Increased social participation
- Stronger problem-solving and decision-making skills
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But most importantly, he discovered that he was capable of far more than he ever believed.
Why Specialised Support Matters
Every journey is different, but the purpose remains the same: to help people feel confident, safe, connected, and proud of what they achieve. Supported travel is about growth. It’s about capacity building. It’s about helping people experience life more fully, with trained specialists guiding them along the way.
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Duncan didn’t just travel. He transformed.
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And these are the moments we work for.
Start Your Own Journey
If Duncan’s story has inspired you or someone you support, we’re here to help. Our travel support specialists design supported tours that match your goals, needs, and comfort level. Whether you’re building independence, confidence, or social connection, there’s a journey waiting for you.
China is one of those countries that keeps surprising people—especially when you see the landscapes that don’t even look real. Towering rainbow mountains, glass walkways over steep cliffs, mist-covered peaks that inspired movies like Avatar—China’s natural wonders feel like stepping into another world.
And guess what? With the right support and planning, these mind-blowing places can be explored by people of all abilities. At ClubMates Travel, we believe that accessible travel should be more than just getting from A to B—it should be about awe, wonder, and saying “I can’t believe I’m actually here.”
Here are a few incredible spots in China that look out of this world—and why they might just end up on your travel wishlist.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – The Real-Life Pandora
Ever seen floating mountains? Well, you’re about to. Zhangjiajie is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the inspiration behind the flying mountains in Avatar. Giant stone pillars rise up through misty clouds—it’s so surreal it feels like CGI.
There are cable cars and glass elevators that take you up into the peaks, and accessible walkways in many areas, making this a great option for travel for people with disabilities when paired with the right support crew.
The Rainbow Mountains – Zhangye Danxia Geopark
Imagine layers of red, orange, gold, and green rock stretched across rolling hills. These colourful formations look like someone took a paintbrush to the land. They’re even more breathtaking in person.
The Rainbow Mountains are best explored in daylight hours when the colours shine brightest. Some viewing platforms and paths are paved and can be navigated with mobility assistance. Like all our accessible holidays, having specialist travel support makes a huge difference in comfort and safety.
Yuanyang Rice Terraces – A Living Mirror
At sunrise or sunset, the rice terraces of Yuanyang reflect the sky like an enormous mirror. It’s peaceful, dreamlike, and incredibly calming—perfect for travellers who want to slow down, connect with nature, and just take it all in.
This spot is especially powerful for people who are working toward NDIS goals like mindfulness, emotional regulation, or confidence in new environments. With supported travel, it’s more than sightseeing—it becomes a sensory and emotional experience.
The Glass Bridge – Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
If you’re feeling brave, there’s a 430-metre-long glass bridge suspended over the canyon. Yes—it’s see-through. But it’s also safe, sturdy, and absolutely unforgettable. For those not afraid of heights, this is an epic moment that will stick with you for life.
We understand that thrill-seeking looks different for everyone. At ClubMates, our support crew are trained to encourage, not push—so passengers can take part in activities at their own comfort level.
Jiuzhaigou Valley – China’s Fairytale Water World
Think turquoise lakes, sparkling waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. Jiuzhaigou is a dreamscape—peaceful, scenic, and full of charm. It’s also one of the more accessible nature parks in China, with eco buses and walkways that help make the journey smoother.
This kind of environment is great for building confidence, promoting social participation, and feeling part of something beautiful.
Why China? Why ClubMates?
Travelling to a country as big and bold as China might feel impossible—but that’s where we come in. As one of Australia’s most experienced NDIS holiday providers, we specialise in international supported travel that opens up the world for people with disabilities. We design every itinerary to work toward common NDIS goals—things like independence, community access, resilience, and joy.
Our team handles everything: accessible hotels, ground transport, daily activities, and of course, personal support workers who are trained specifically for disability travel.
If you’ve ever dreamt of seeing the Great Wall, watching lanterns float across the sky, or standing in a place that feels like another planet—then maybe it’s time to get curious.
ClubMates makes accessible travel across the globe achievable, enjoyable, and unforgettable.
Talk to our team about our upcoming tours to China or ask about designing your own supported adventure. We’ll help you figure out how your supports work with your NDIS funding and what out-of-pocket costs you can expect.
Because no one should miss out on the wonders of the world—especially you.
