Garret Frey is a remarkable individual who has refused to be sidelined by his disability. Despite being paralyzed from the neck down for most of his life, he has been a vocal advocate for disability rights in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In 1999, he won a groundbreaking case before the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled in his favor when his school district refused to provide the care he needed to attend high school. This victory set a precedent for others with disabilities to demand the services they are entitled to under federal law.
Frey’s activism extends to various local, state, and national boards and committees that focus on protecting disability rights. He communicates with the world using voice commands and a chin sticker that interacts with his computer’s camera. His dedication to the cause has garnered admiration nationwide, with federal officials like Melanie Fontes Rainer acknowledging the power of his advocacy.
In June of this year, Frey scored another victory when a federal complaint he lodged led to Iowa agreeing to increase Medicaid payments for caregivers to stay overnight with him. This agreement ensures that he can continue living in his own home with the necessary support. The federal administrator, Fontes Rainer, expressed admiration for Frey’s resilience in fighting for his rights and encouraged others to speak up about any issues they face in accessing services.
Frey’s impact goes beyond his own case. He has inspired others like James McLelland, a California teenager with a similar need for care, to advocate for their rights using the precedent set by Frey’s Supreme Court case. Through his advocacy, Frey has helped pave the way for individuals with disabilities to live fuller lives and access the services they require to thrive in their communities.
Frey draws inspiration from earlier advocates like Katie Beckett, whose own fight for in-home care for children with disabilities led to significant policy changes. He also admires figures like Tom Harkin, the former U.S. senator from Iowa who authored the Americans with Disabilities Act. Harkin emphasizes the importance of individuals like Frey in maintaining the integrity of disability rights laws and ensuring that people with disabilities can participate fully in society.
Despite his ongoing challenges, Frey remains determined to make a difference. He is considering a career in civil rights or running for public office, showing that his spirit and drive to advocate for disability rights are as strong as ever. As he continues to fight for his rights and the rights of others, Frey serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the disability community and beyond.
