AustLit
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AbstractHistoryArchive Description
Anthony is a physically disabled student also thought to be intellectually disabled; he requires crutches to move, and develops partial blindness. A high school teacher, suspecting a misdiagnosis of his intelligence, encourages him to be retested.
Upon discovering Anthony's average intellectual ability, the teacher and the small town's community work together to admit Anthony into primary school at a time when all disabled students could only go to Special School.
Anthony flourishes, learning to read, catching up with his classmates; he fights to be admitted to high school, and then to do the Higher School Certificate. His presence changes educational policy for the better. Ultimately, Anthony passes the HSC.
Affiliation Notes
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Writing Disability in Australia
Type of disability Partial blindness, lack of mobility.
Type of character Primary. Point of view First person (not the disabled character).
