Annie's Coming Out

by Rosemary Crossley, Anne McDonald

Disabled by cerebral palsy from birth, Anne McDonald was institutionalized at the age of three, thought to be hopelessly mentally retarded.

Until she was sixteen it was believed that Anne would never communicate. At eighteen she left the institution to live with her teacher, Rosemary Crossley, but only after Supreme Court judgements had found her able to communicate and manage her own affairs.

Challenging deeply held prejudices, this story raises vital questions, and demands a radical re-evaluation of the potential and basic rights of people with disabilities.

[description is from back cover]

Genres: Nonfiction, Disability

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I started reading this book, I could barely stop. Read it in one day. I had vaguely heard stuff about facilitation, people being staunchly pro or con, but reading this book made me understand what it is. I also recall an experience I had about 25 years ago with an autistic child. He spoke to me and I replied, afterwards being told that he doesn't speak. In this book it mentioned how occasionally Annie could get some words out. Now I know that's what happened. this book, this story is simply amazing. I "worked" with cerebral palsy kids briefly, with swimming, and I had absolutely no clue about them. I wish I had read this book.

[Toni Umar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this long ago but recall how I enjoyed it. Annie with her friend Rosemary over come so many obstacles. The beginning when Rosemary gradually discovers Annie is trying to communicate with her, and the struggle to get this communication recognised by others. They never gave up and their strenght is inspirational. Annie's sense of humor scattered through out lightens' up the book in area's. A true story but almost unbelievable that Annie almost went through life with out her abilities recognised.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and low key, this is an amazing account of Rosemary's fight to free Annie from a miserable life.
She had the insight and compassion to see past major physical barriers to a group of intelligent kids living in horrific circumstances.
Heart warming and heartbreaking in equal measure

[Marsha]

Memoir Pillow Angel in institution for 14 yrs before offered way to communicate. Read her editorial --