Helen Keller was one of the most inspirational figures of the 20th century. Despite being deaf and blind from a young age due to an illness, she learned to communicate, graduated cum laude from Radcliffe College, and became an author and political activist who spent her life fighting for causes including anti-war efforts and women’s suffrage. This paper will examine key aspects of Keller’s life and accomplishments.
Helen Keller was born on June 27, 1880 in Tuscumbia, Alabama. At the age of 19 months, she fell ill, likely from an ear infection or scarlet fever which left her both deaf and blind. During this time, communication was minimal as Keller had no way to comprehend or express speech due to her dual sensory losses. When Keller was seven years old, her parents hired Anne Sullivan to become her teacher and tutor. Sullivan was a woman who herself had become blind as a child.
Over the course of a few months, with patience and persistence, Sullivan taught Keller how to communicate using sign language and Braille. She realized that by spelling words into Keller’s hand and then linking them to objects, she could help Keller understand language. One pivotal moment was when Sullivan got Keller to understand that the signs she was spelling into her hand represented the actual water the girl was pumping from a well. This was Keller’s first realization that there was a sign for nearly everything. From there, her communication skills and vocabulary grew rapidly.
Keller went on to attend the Perkins School for the Blind in 1887 and graduated as their class valedictory in 1904. She then became one of the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude from Radcliffe College in 1904, despite the many obstacles she had to overcome to receive an education. Some of these obstacles included having all of her materials prepared in Braille beforehand and relying heavily on Sullivan to enable Keller to participate in class discussions and take notes. Keller’s perseverance to get a higher education was truly groundbreaking at a time when many believed those with disabilities could not be educated.
After graduating from Radcliffe, Keller dedicated her life to helping improve conditions for disabled and Deaf individuals. She founded many organizations including the American Foundation for the Blind, Helen Keller International, and the American Association for the Deaf-Blind. She also joined various activist groups and participated in campaigns, vigorously advocating for the rights of disabled people to have equal access and opportunities in society. This included raising awareness that lack of access to education often kept blind and deaf individuals in poverty and dependent on others.
Keller’s writing career began in 1903 when she published her autobiography, The Story of My Life. This introspective publication became an instant success, providing millions of readers with insights into her life experiences and what it was like living without sight or hearing. It gave people an unprecedented look into the silent world inside her own mind. The royalties from this best-selling book provided Keller with financial independence. She went on to publish over a dozen additional books covering topics close to her heart such as her socialist political ideals, her faith in doing good works, and continuing to motivate and inspire others by sharing her life story.
Politically, Keller had become a socialist early in her life. She believed that the root causes of many injustice and inequities in society stemmed from class divisions and the power of monopolistic trusts, banks and corporations over politicians and citizens. She joined the Socialist Party in 1909 and campaigned publicly for socialist candidates as she felt they would best help improve conditions for the handicapped and working classes. Some of her more controversial stances included supporting workers’ rights to unionize and strike as well as opposing American entry into World War I. Keller argued that war only bred more violence and poverty for the innocent. Her political views became so left-leaning that they overshadowed her other humanitarian efforts in the eyes of some at the time.
Throughout her life, Keller traveled to over 30 countries giving lectures and meeting with world leaders to call for disability rights. She showed that determination and refusing to feel limited could empower people to overcome immense challenges and live meaningful lives. In 1964 at the age of 84, Keller met President John F. Kennedy at the White House. At this point, she was nearly completely blind and hard of hearing herself. Yet she remained active and inspiring hope in others up until her death on June 1, 1968 at the age of 87.
Keller received astounding honors during and after her lifetime such as inductions into the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame and receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her story of persevering against all odds has motivated and influenced millions of people globally. She shattered assumptions and helped society realize that quality education is so crucial for ensuring equal opportunity, participation, and fulfillment for those with disabilities. Her brave advocacy also helped spark progress in rights for the Deaf community as well as accessibility laws like interpreting services in courtrooms and Braille in public spaces.
Although today deafblindness can often be better prevented and treated, Keller’s story remains eternally relevant. She reminds society that each of us, despite any challenges, are capable of growing and learning if given the necessary accommodations and support. Her wisdom to “walk with the dreamers, and gentle the life of the dream” is a reminder to acknowledge our shared humanity and treat each other with compassion. Keller lived a remarkable life that proved no one should dictate another person’s potential based on appearance or conditions outside of their control. Nearly a century later, her accomplishments continue to inspire disabled and able-bodied people alike to recognize their own inner strength and stand up for justice. Helen Keller blazed a trail that changed history and still resonates today as a symbol of hope, courage in adversity, and an indomitable spirit.
Andrew Stroud