Anne McDonald Quotes
- Author
- Australia
- 1961 - 2010
Anne McDonald is an Australian author and poet. She is best known for her award-winning novel, The White Garden, which was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award and won the Age Book of the Year Award. Her other works include the poetry collections The Art of Home and The Art of Flight, and the no…Read More
Anne McDonald is an Australian author and poet. She is best known for her award-winning novel, The White Garden, which was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award and won the Age Book of the Year Award. Her other works include the poetry collections The Art of Home and The Art of Flight, and the novels The House of Many Rooms and The House of Many Windows. McDonald has also written several plays, including The White Garden, which was performed at the Sydney Opera House. She has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Patrick White Literary Award, the Kenneth Slessor Prize for Poetry, and the NSW Premier’s Literary Award.Read Less
Anne McDonald is an Australian author and poet. She is best known for her award-winning novel, The White Garden, which was shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award and won the Age Book of the Year Award. Her other works include the poetry collections The Art of Home and The Art of Flight, and the novels The House of Many Rooms and The House of Many Windows. McDonald has also written several plays, including The White Garden, which was performed at the Sydney Opera House. She has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Patrick White Literary Award, the Kenneth Slessor Prize for Poetry, and the NSW Premier’s Literary Award.
Anne McDonald Career Highlights
Anne McDonald is an Australian disability rights activist and author. She was born in 1961 with cerebral palsy and was unable to speak or move her limbs. At the age of nine, she was placed in a state-run institution for people with disabilities, where she was neglected and mistreated.
Key Contributions by Anne McDonald
Despite her severe physical limitations, McDonald was able to communicate through a unique form of communication called “facilitated communication.” With the help of a facilitator, she was able to type out her thoughts and feelings, revealing her intelligence and sharp wit.McDonald’s case gained national attention in 1980 when she successfully sued the state government for her right to an education. This landmark case led to the closure of the institution she was living in and sparked a movement for disability rights in Australia.
What Sets Anne McDonald Apart
McDonald’s determination and resilience in the face of adversity set her apart. Despite being denied basic human rights and facing discrimination, she never gave up on fighting for herself and others with disabilities. Her use of facilitated communication also challenged the notion that people with severe disabilities were unable to communicate or have thoughts and feelings.
Takeaways
Anne McDonald’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. Her case brought attention to the mistreatment of people with disabilities and sparked significant changes in Australia’s disability rights laws. McDonald’s use of facilitated communication also highlights the need for alternative forms of communication for individuals with disabilities. Her legacy continues to inspire and empower others to fight for their rights and speak out against injustice.