Helen Adams Keller
- Born:
- June 27, 1880, Tuscumbia, Alabama, USA
- Died:
- June 1, 1968, Easton, Connecticut, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Author, Political Activist, Lecturer
Early Life and Education
- At 19 months old, Helen Keller contracted an illness, possibly scarlet fever or meningitis, which left her blind and deaf.
- Her parents sought the guidance of Alexander Graham Bell, who referred them to the Perkins Institution for the Blind.
- Anne Sullivan, a graduate of Perkins and visually impaired herself, became Keller's teacher in March 1887.
- Sullivan taught Keller to communicate by spelling words into her hand, initially through finger spelling.
- Keller attended the Perkins Institution for the Blind, the Horace Mann School for the Deaf, and Cambridge School for Young Ladies.
- She enrolled at Radcliffe College in 1900 and graduated cum laude in 1904, becoming the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Career and Major Achievements
- Dedicated her life to advocating for people with disabilities and other social causes.
- Lectured extensively worldwide, sharing her experiences and promoting disability rights.
- Met with numerous presidents and world leaders to advocate for policy changes.
- Cofounded Helen Keller International in 1915 with George Kessler, focusing on research in vision, health, and nutrition.
- Worked with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) for over 40 years.
- Authored several books detailing her life and views.
- Became a symbol of resilience and inspiration for people with disabilities globally.
Notable Works
- The Story of My Life (1903) - Autobiography
- Optimism (1903) - Essays
- The World I Live In (1908) - Essays on perception
- Out of the Dark (1913) - Essays and letters on social issues
- Midstream: My Later Life (1929) - Autobiography covering later years
- Teacher: Anne Sullivan Macy (1955) - Biography of Anne Sullivan
Legacy and Impact
Helen Keller's life and work had a profound impact on the perception and treatment of people with disabilities. Her advocacy efforts contributed significantly to the development of disability rights movements worldwide. Knowing the full story of Helen Keller reveals a woman of remarkable determination, intelligence, and compassion who overcame immense challenges to become a powerful advocate for social justice. Her writings and speeches continue to inspire generations.
Awards and Honors
| Award/Honor | Year |
|---|---|
| Médaille de la Reconnaissance Française | 1932 |
| George Foster Peabody Award | 1936 |
| Presidential Medal of Freedom | 1964 |
| Appointed to the Women's Hall of Fame | 1965 |