Old Warp, New Weft: weaving a new life fabric after anoxia

Abstract

A young New Zealander reweaves a new life after a severe anoxic brain injury. His mother, a teacher, works from an educational perspective to construct an individualized lifestyle plan (ILP), implemented in the community by a team of support workers. This approach to learning is holistic and encompasses the physical, cognitive, emotional and spiritual dimensions of human healing. This article, part of the requirements for a Master's degree in Special Education, recounts part of the new journey, which is described in the language of capacity, achievement and love, rather than that of dysfunction, disability and disappointment.