Balentine, Anne

Born deaf and with multiple physical disabilities, including scoliosis (a curvature of the spine) and motor problems. Deafness was suspected soon after birth but not finally confirmed by formal testing until age 14. Education consisted first of private speech therapy, then residency in the Institute of Logopedics (Wichita, KS) from 1964 until withdrawal in 1970. Privately tutored from 1970 to about 1980. Several major surgeries were performed during her childhood in attempts to reduce her physical disabilities, but communication remained a serious obstacle since Anne lacked the motor ability to speak and possibly to sign, though the family seems to have made no effort to try sign language. Her inability to communicate even basic needs led to enormous frustrations for her. Biography by her mother Catherine Balentine is The Story of Anne (1983).