Matilda Wilson is redefining independence. With the support of Equity Trustees, the inspirational 18-year-old skateboarder, who lives with cerebral palsy, is encouraging other young people with a disability to back themselves.

On any given afternoon, you might find 18-year-old Matilda Wilson at her local skate park, in the thick of the action, on an adapted skateboard.

Riding the humming wheels with adrenaline pumping, Matilda is doing what she does best as she skateboards like a pro: she’s expanding people’s understanding about what it means to live with a disability.

Born with cerebral palsy, Matilda currently navigates the world outside the skatepark in a wheelchair, is non-verbal and communicates using eye-gaze technology.

While these facts describe her situation, they do not define or limit her. Matilda is a presenter, advocate, communications and marketing student, youth ambassador, and a driving force behind the push to make skateboarding more accessible.

Using eye-gaze technology to answer Generation’s questions, Matilda explains that she’s currently working in collaboration with University of Queensland engineers to refine a purpose-built skate ‘frame’.

“I love adaptive skateboarding because I get to be out of my wheelchair,” says  Matilda. “Skateboarding gives me a sense of freedom that’s hard to explain unless you've felt it. Skateboarding makes me feel confident, independent, and completely myself.”

That sense of independence is at the heart of Matilda’s relationship with Equity Trustees.

Client Relationship Manager at Equity Trustees, Ann-Marie Veal, recalls how meeting Matilda was a humbling moment. “I was immediately blown away with the positivity that she radiates,” says Ann-Marie. “Despite all of the things that she has to deal with, she is just completely kicking life goals, and she just doesn't let anything stop her.”

Equity Trustees’ role goes well beyond administration. While the organisation manages Matilda’s funds, a focus is placed on building a relationship that supports her ambitions and growing independence.

“It’s not just about delivering a service,” Ann-Marie explains. “We really want to help Matilda to achieve her goals. Matilda is now at an age where she can be involved with her finances, and so we will work with her to try and build her financial knowledge.” That includes introducing financial concepts, budgeting and decision-making in a way that is accessible and empowering.

Matilda emphasises how much financial education matters really matters to her. “Financial education is all about independence and having control over my future,” she says. “I want to understand how to manage my money, make smart decisions, and set myself up for the life I want.”

It’s a gradual process but one that Equity Trustees sees as essential. The goal is clear: to support Matilda in becoming as involved as possible in her financial future.

“She’s just like any other 18-year-old,” Ann-Marie says. “She wants to be more independent. So, we are determined to help her achieve that.”

That independence is already taking shape in multiple ways. Alongside her advocacy work, Matilda is building her own platform, presenting at conferences and sharing her lived experience of inclusion. “If sharing my journey helps even one person… that means everything to me.

Matilda’s message to other young people with a disability is inspiring. “Don't let other people decide what you're capable of. Back yourself and don't be afraid to go after what you want… because honestly, that’s where the magic happens.”

Read more about Matilda www.matildayonaroll.com.au

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Photo caption: Jesse Noonan, Professional Skateboarder and Founder of Skate Advantage, and Chloe Covell, Olympian Skateboarder.

“Don't let other people decide what you're capable of. Back yourself and don't be afraid to go after what you want… because honestly, that’s where the magic happens.”