The Yvonne Duffy papers span 2 linear feet and have been arranged into three series: Personal, 1952-2000; Writings, 1968-1999; and Mixed Media. The papers include biographical information, research files, published articles, unpublished writings, and audiocassettes of interviews conducted by Duffy in her research.
Yvonne Duffy was born November 25, 1935 in Toronto, Ontario. Following the death of her mother in 1954, Duffy moved to Michigan, where an aunt resided. She received a B.A. in English Language and Literature from the University of Michigan in 1973, and went on to pursue a career as a freelance writer and active disability rights advocate. A survivor of childhood polio, Duffy suffered paralysis of both legs and one arm, and relied on a wheelchair for mobility.
As a freelance writer and columnist, Duffy wrote for numerous newspapers and popular and trade periodicals. From 1994 forward she was regular "Disabled in America" columnist for the Detroit Free Press and "Voice of Ability" columnist for Independent Living Provider. From 1988 to 1994 she wrote "Self-Esteem Essentials" for Independent Living. Duffy also wrote on disability issues for Mainstream (for which she was Editorial Contributor 1989 to 1991), Accent on Living, Advance, American Mover, Ann Arbor Magazine, Ann Arbor News, Apothecary, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Bottomline, Chicago Tribune, Computer Dealer, Convenience Store News, Cutters, Detroit Free Press, Festivity, Flowers and Giftware News, Home Lighting, Hospitality, Newsday, and Quick Printing. She also contributed general articles and book reviews to Animals, Ann Arbor News, Ann Arbor Observer, Akron Beacon-Journal, Belles Letters, Columbus Dispatch, Detroit Free Press, Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel, Kansas City Star, Toward Freedom, Women's Household, and The World, as well as profiles and how-to articles for various periodicals.
Duffy was particularly concerned in her writing with issues of sexuality and the disabled, about which she published a pioneering book ...All Things are Possible, in 1981. In addition to her writing, Duffy was a frequent speaker on disability issues throughout Michigan and the United States. She was, further, a member of several community organizations in the Ann Arbor area, serving on the Board of Directors of the Washtenaw Association for Community Advocacy, the Board of Directors of the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, the Board of Directors of the Washtenaw County American Civil Liberties Union, the Board of Directors of the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living, the Advisory Committee of the University of Michigan Clinic on Sexuality and Reproductive Health for Persons with Mental Retardation, and the Local Advisory Committee of Elderly and Handicapped Services for the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority.
Duffy's honors include the James Neubacher Award for reporting that champions the rights of people with disabilities (1993), the EDI Award for promoting equality, dignity and independence of people with disabilities in print journalism (1995) and a State of Michigan Special Tribute Media Award (1999).
For additional biographical information see the Personal--Biographical folder and essay, "My story," in Writings--Unpublished or Manuscript--Short stories (folder 1 of 2), both in box 1.
