Review of 'As I Am: A True Story of Adaptation to Physical Disability': Garrett Lee Frey and Dr Karen Hutchins Pirnot, The Peppertree Press, 2008 University of New England and University of Sydney, Australia

Abstract

Adapting to acquired physical disability is a challenging journey for both the individual with impairment as well as their support network (e.g., family, friends and healthcare providers) (Antle, Mills, Steele, Kalnins & Rossen, 2008). In particular, healthcare providers' role in the provision of holistic rehabilitation and habilitation is key to assisting people with acquired disability in their journey to accept their new identity, abilities and potential (Dune, 2011). Garrett Lee Frey and Dr Karen Hutchins Pirnot in their book, 'As I Am: A True Story of Adaptation to Physical Disability', highlight the multidimensional effect of acquired disability and the multidisciplinary approach required to support adjustment and adaptation. The book contains twenty-seven narrative chapters which convey Frey's experiences with healthcare provision, changing family dynamics, assistive devices as well as school politics, bureaucracy, disability rights and American law. The book begins in 1987 with a description of what Frey's life was before his accident (climbing trees, going for rides on his father's motorcycle and running around the back yard). Frey also recounts the moments preceding the accident: being placed securely on his father's motorcycle at the age of four, with his security blanket tied around his neck, after an afternoon with the babysitter. As the motorcycle made the five minute trip back to their family home his blanket loosened, got caught in the back wheel of the motorcycle, abruptly snapped his head forward, and pulled him off the bike resulting in a complete transaction of his spine at C-4 and C-5.