Series Classification: G (General Audiences) | Produced for TAHI by Boxed Media Ltd.
As if navigating your 20s isn’t hard enough, Sophia Malthus became a quadriplegic at age 19 after a horse-riding accident. Finding carers to help her 24 hours a day is no easy task. Luckily for Soph, her broke cousin Indy was on the hunt for a job to pay the bills while she pursued a career in acting.
As far as Soph and Indy are concerned, Soph’s disability doesn’t get in the way of a fulfilling life -- it just keeps things interesting. However, it is undeniable there are many challenges for a disabled person living in a world made for the non-disabled. Accessibility is incredibly limiting not only in public spaces, but even in Soph’s own home. Navigating sex and relationships is a whole new ball game. How does one even look after a body that is 87% paralysed?
Soph and Indy explore all of these topics and more as they meet with experts to find new ways to make the typical 20s a little more accessible for people like Soph.
This digital series is made by an award-winning production team, including New Zealand’s Rachale Davies (Producer), Hunter Crouchley (Director of Photography), and Parehuia MacKay (Director).
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This Is Wheel Life | Episode 1: The Unofficial Biography of Soph & Indy
19 Jun 2023Two 20-something year olds, Sophia Malthus and Indy Henman, chat about how Sophia became quadriplegic at age 19 and why her cousin Indy became her carer with no prior healthcare experience. Read more Video
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This Is Wheel Life | Episode 2: The Gym Bod of a Quad
19 Jun 2023Soph and Indy explore the health and fitness side of quadriplegia. Why does Soph need to exercise if she is 87% paralysed? Read more Video
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This Is Wheel Life | Episode 3: Does This House Come with a Ramp?
19 Jun 2023As if house-hunting wasn’t hard enough, being quadriplegic makes it a whole new level. Soph and Indy check out Soph’s current home and explore the current housing market. Read more Video
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This Is Wheel Life | Episode 4: The Mystery of Accessible Fashion
19 Jun 2023Soph and Indy go shopping at Storm to find wheelchair-friendly outfits. How does one look fashionable with so many things to consider? Wheelchair, catheter, binder... the list goes on. Read more Video
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This Is Wheel Life | Episode 5: Finding My Third Wheel
19 Jun 2023Soph goes on a first date while Indy takes a nap in the car. Some may think painting on a first date is a bold move for someone with no hand function, but we think you’ll change your mind. Read more Video
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This Is Wheel Life | Episode 6: Sex and Intimacy with a Physical Disability
19 Jun 2023As a self-proclaimed prude, Soph visits Claire Freeman to get the tea on navigating sex and intimacy as a disabled person. Soph and Indy also see a neuropsychologist for professional advice. Read more Video
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This Is Wheel Life | Episode 7: Hire Me (And My Wheelchair)
19 Jun 2023Soph and Indy ask a recruiter if Soph’s quadriplegia will affect her chances of becoming a lawyer. Soph proves her disability knows no bounds as she conquers a terrifying stunt. Read more Video
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This Is Wheel Life | Trailer
8 Jun 2023As if navigating your 20’s isn’t hard enough, Sophia Malthus became a quadriplegic at age 19 after a horse riding accident. Finding carers to help her 24 hours a day is no easy task. Read more Video
This Is Wheel Life with Soph & Indy
NZ On Air Photo: NZOA
TAHI Photo: TAHI