Welcome to the Anne McDonald Centre
Anne McDonald fought for the rights of people without functional speech. The Anne McDonald Centre (originally the Deal Communication Centre) was established in 1986 to provide education and support for people without functional speech, whatever their age or diagnosis. Under its Director Dr. Rosemary Crossley it carried out advocacy, conducted research, and provided client services for forty years.
Dr. Crossley died in 2023, and the Centre no longer provides direct client services. The Centre continues to offer resources to people with little or no functional speech – people who can't speak, can't speak clearly, or can’t communicate everything they want to say – and their families and carers.
People who can’t speak can have diagnoses of Autism/ASD, Acquired Brain Damage, Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Huntington's Disease, Intellectual Disability, Rett syndrome, ABD, Motor Neurone Disease or ALS, Persistent Vegetative State (PVS), and Stroke or CVA. Whatever their diagnosis, whatever their age, whatever their associated conditions, their most serious handicap is that they can’t speak.
We have developed a series of videos to try and capture Dr Crossley’s wisdom and expertise. See the links below.
Some of Our Resources
So Your Child Doesn’t Speak
Yes or No
Pointing Skills
Communication Do’s and Don’ts
Tim’s Story
My Role - Sarah Chan
Breaking the Silence
A Tribute to Dr Rosemary Crossley
With profound sadness, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Rosemary Crossley, AM, PhD (1945–2023), a trailblazing advocate for individuals with severe communication challenges. Her pioneering efforts, including her work with Anne McDonald, redefined how we understand and support those with little or no speech. Rosemary’s dedication empowered countless individuals worldwide and left an indelible mark on the disability community.
A Tribute to Anne McDonald
Anne McDonald (1961–2010) was a powerful advocate, writer, and survivor of institutional neglect. Despite immense barriers, she became a voice for those without speech, fighting for their right to communicate and thrive. Her achievements, including winning the National Disability Award and earning a university degree, were a testament to the potential unlocked when opportunities are given. Anne reminded us that humanity and intelligence are not defined by speech and worked tirelessly to ensure others were not left behind. Her legacy calls us to remember the past and fight for a future of inclusion and dignity for all.
