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, Keller contracted an illness, possibly scarlet fever or meningitis, that left her blind and deaf.
- Initially struggled to communicate, leading to frustration and behavioral challenges.
- In 1887, Anne Sullivan began working as Keller's teacher.
- Sullivan taught Keller to communicate by spelling words into her hand, starting with "water."
- Attended the Perkins Institution for the Blind, the Horace Mann School for the Deaf, and Radcliffe College.
- Graduated from Radcliffe College in 1904 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Career and Major Achievements
- Published her autobiography, The Story of My Life, in 1903, detailing her early life and education.
- Became a prominent advocate for people with disabilities.
- Traveled extensively, lecturing on the importance of education and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.
- Active in the women's suffrage movement and supported socialist causes.
- Co-founded Helen Keller International in 1915, an organization dedicated to preventing blindness and malnutrition.
Notable Works
- The Story of My Life (1903)
- Optimism (1903)
- The World I Live In (1908)
- Out of the Dark (1913)
- My Religion (1927)
- Midstream: My Later Life (1929)
Legacy and Impact
Helen Keller's life story is a testament to the power of education, determination, and perseverance. Her advocacy for people with disabilities significantly impacted public perception and policy, leading to increased opportunities and support for individuals with disabilities worldwide. She remains an iconic figure, celebrated for her resilience, intellect, and unwavering commitment to social justice. One might choose to learn more about her from a source such as "charlemagne biography video about helen keller".