The Author - Allison Franklin

Allison Franklin was born in Christchurch in 1959.  A lack of oxygen to her brain during a difficult birth resulted in her having Cerebral Palsy.  Defying a grim prognosis by doctors (who were doubtful that she would survive at all), Allison thrived and, although significantly physically disabled, went on to talk, walk and ride a tricycle.  She was educated alongside her able bodied peers, leaving school with University Entrance in 1977.   Finding work was initially difficult, until she was offered a job in Lower Hutt working at a Centre providing services for people with disabilities.  This led to a career working in the disability and health sectors and a life-time vocation of working towards improving the lot of people with disabilities and their families. Rather than detracting from her quality of life, Allison’s disability led her into a world of exciting opportunities and to meet some truly amazing people whom she writes about in her book.

The Book:

Allison’s autobiography  “The Alli Way of Life; Living Well with Cerebral Palsy” was self-published in November 2008, with support from the Cerebral Palsy Society of New Zealand, and printed by Microfilm Digital Print.   The book traces Allison’s life from her early years of challenges living with a physical disability, the attitudes she encountered (not all positive!) and her career in the disability and health sectors.   Allison’s working life coincided with the development of the Disability Rights Movement in N.Z., the formation of the Disabled Persons Assembly (an advocacy/lobby organisation) in which Allison held significant roles, and a change in Government policies towards the rights and services for the disability sector, so the book also serves as a social history of this time.  Also included are aspects Allison’s personal life, the friends she made, anecdotes and covers her many overseas and national travels, all told with considerable humour and a positive approach to life.  This is a book intended to entertain, enlighten people on what it is like to live with a disability and to inspire parents who have children with disabilities and young adults who are disabled.

Testimonial:

Microfilm Digital Print was recommended to me by a Christchurch publisher.  As this was my first book, I needed all the help I could get in bringing it to publication.   I first popped in and picked up the excellent free booklet that MDP provides which gives clear guidance on all the steps necessary to publish a book.   This information was invaluable.   Once I was ready to have my book printed, the staff at MDP could not have been more helpful.  It was obvious to me that they wanted to produce the best possible quality book as much as I did.  I deeply appreciated their patience and good nature as many changes and corrections were made.  The resulting product was one any author would be proud of, and I have no hesitation in recommending their services. (Microfilm Digital Print are the proprietors of this site www.printabook.co.nz)

Available From:
“The Alli Way of Life” can be purchased at all PaperPlus stores in Christchurch and Take Note at Northlands Shopping Mall, or online at All Books New Zealand..  Price: $29.99.

Websites:

www.allbooksnz.com – to order a book

http://www.cpsoc.org.nz/review/Review%20spring%20Nov%2008%20-%20Web.pdf  - to read a review

http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/oneinfive/20090322 to hear an interview with Allison Franklin about the book.

The book is available directly from Allison as well, for $25.00 plus $4.50 postage (within NZ) email address franklina@ihug.co.nz.

Printabook is operated by Microfilm Ltd, trading as Microfilm Digital Print, 65 Victoria Street, P O Box 840, Christchurch, New Zealand. Phone 03 366 7731. Fax 03 379 3513. email books@digitalprint.co.nz

Other web sites operated by Microfilm Ltd www.digitalprint.co.nz www.photobook.co.nz