Tracy Barrell won two gold medals for swimming at the 1992 Barcelona Paralympics, was awarded an Order of Australia medal, raised two boys and has campaigned for disabled and Indigenous rights in Australia.

However, she did not have the same amount of success when applying for a NSW Companion Card, which allows a highly disabled person to bring an escort to some ticketed events without the escort having to pay.

Ms Barrell was told last Friday that she was not disabled enough to qualify because she has "proscribed aids" to get around, including a skateboard to get around her house, a wheelchair and a modified car.

However, Ms Barrell, who was born disabled due to anti-morning sickness medication her mother was given during pregnancy, said she can barely leave the house without a helper.

"I was devastated, I actually cried for the whole day because I just felt lost as a person," she said.

"I was being penalised for being able in certain parts of my life and living in a fully modified home but as soon as I step outside my home I need people to assist me."

After a Change.org petition garnered 5000 signatures, National Disability Services contacted her on Monday to ask if she would like to appeal against the decision.

An NDS spokesman said Ms Barrell provided further information and was granted a NSW Companion Card on Monday afternoon.

Ms Barrell told Fairfax Media on Wednesday that she had still not received any confirmation.

The NDS spokesman said the criteria for Companion Cards were very strict - about one in 10 disabled people qualify - and they are intended only for people who cannot leave the house at all without help.

"The criteria [are] much more strict than a pension card or disability parking permit because private businesses are giving away tickets or forgoing profits," he said.

The not-for-profit scheme involved companies such as Opera Australia, Hoyts and the NRL providing special one-off tickets, he added.

"It's not about whether you have a disability or not; it's about whether you cannot leave your home on your own, even to go up to the shops."

It was initially assumed that Ms Barrell could move around on her own, using her skateboard, wheelchair and car.

However, Ms Barrell, from the Tweed Heads region of NSW, said she could get herself from her car on to her skateboard but she could not get on to her wheelchair on her own nor transport it in her car.

If she uses her skateboard while out and about, she needs to ask a stranger to help with tasks such as opening doors and paying for items.

Even at the cinema, she requires someone to push and pull her along the carpet.

"I was originally rejected on the fact that it came across like I just wanted a friend to hang out with me at fun activities," she said.

"They totally misunderstood how much my sons or friends actually help me when I go out."

A friend applied for the card on Ms Barrell's behalf because she wanted her to be able to participate in more adult activities.

"Emotionally, it'd be huge if I didn't have to feel like I was always asking or expecting friends to help me do things or pay to come along to things with me," Ms Barrell said. "It'd open so many doors for me."

Ms Barrell has arthritis in her arm and has had several operations on it, including a shoulder reconstruction.

She said she did not want to criticise the Companion Card system because it was a great initiative but her case showed that the assessment process was too rigid.