in 1965, while riding his bicycle home from heathcote high school in new south wales (nsw), he was accidentally hit by a car and became a paraplegic wheelchair user at 13 years of age. after spending twelve months in hospital he returned home to be cared for by his mother, barbara, and stepfather robert (bob) evans. prior to the accident he was a champion archer, and a member of the sutherland shire athletic club. he broke records that held for nine years in shot put and discus as well as long distance running and sprints. following his discharge from hospital, he joined the paraplegic association of nsw. due to problems with the steps at primary school, barrett completed his high school education at lakemba school for the handicapped in the suburbs of sydney. later he trained to be a printer under a scheme conducted by the new south wales disabled workers' organisation.