Tracy Barrell has no legs and one arm. But the government says she "isn’t disabled enough" to require a carer.

This is why a mother with only one limb will have to keep paying for her carer to assist her in public.

Tracy Barrell was born without legs and with only one arm. Like a number of children of her era, Tracy’s disabilities were a result of a morning sickness drug her pregnant mother was prescribed.

But, in spite of her disabilities, Tracy has achieved more than most.

She won two Gold Medals at the Barcelona Paralympics, earned herself an Order of Australia and is now raising two children on her own.

Tracey works with her local Tweed Heads community – as well as around the country – to raise awareness around disabilities.

But she feels uncomfortable about getting out and about on a good day. And the fact everything is doubly expensive because she requires a carer is just another incentive to stay home.

Earlier this month, she was denied a Companion Card, which allows bearers to receive a free ticket for their carer or companion when they book a ticket at selected venues and facilities, by the NSW Government.

Related: Candid photos reveal the sex life of people living with disabilities.

According to the website, the scheme was started so those with a significant disability who cannot manage alone out of the home do not have to pay twice (for themselves and for a carer) whenever they went out and about.

The site says it would be unfair and discriminatory to make a disabled person pay twice because they have the same right to participate in the community as those without a disability.

This explains the Companion Card (post continues after video):

An applicant must have a significant and permanent disability, always need a companion to help get them to community-based activities of venues and need the companion to help them get around or participate.

Yet Tracy’s application was denied due to insufficient evidence of her need for it.

Now her friend, Stephanie Legros, is campaigning to get Tracy a card.

Her change.org petition has already received close to 4,000 signatures in just two days.

Related: “I have a disability and a girlfriend. But when they see us, people assume she’s my nurse.”

Tracy says she has situational depression and feels “different or not accepted” when she leaves her home.

“I still leave my safe zone in the hopes that I can make someone else’s life or situation better, that maybe I made enough difference to change things for the better of many,” she says.

But getting out into the community to continue inspiring others just got a whole lot more difficult for the woman missing most of her limbs.

Giving Tracy a card that removes just one of the many hurdles she faces in doing the everyday activities most of us take for granted doesn’t seem like too big an ask.

To sign the petition, click here.