The Early Life of Helen Keller

Helen Adams Keller was a remarkable American author, political activist, and lecturer famous for facing and overcoming her illness of both blindness and deafness and becoming an inspirational figure. Helen Keller lost her sight and hearing when she was just 19 months old. Keller was born on June 27, 1880, in Tuscumbia, Alabama, U.S. to Arthur Henley Keller and Catherine Everett Keller. Helen’s father, Arthur worked as an editor and served in the Confederate Army as the captain.

Illness and Early Communication Challenges

At the age of 19 months, Helen developed an illness, possibly meningitis, which made her deaf and blind. She referred to it as living “at sea in a dense fog.” She communicated through a sign system developed in her family and later learned to recognize people by the vibration of their footsteps.

The Role of Anne Sullivan in Helen’s Life

In 1886, Helen’s mother contacted the Perkins Institute for the Blind, which led to Anne Sullivan becoming Keller’s mentor and teacher. This marked the beginning of Helen’s life and a lifelong relationship. By 1887, Anne began teaching her by spelling words on her hand. Helen showed great interest in learning despite the challenges she faced and also received formal education.

Educational Achievements and First Deaf-Blind Graduate

Helen Keller attended multiple schools, including Radcliffe College, where she graduated in 1904 as a member of Phi Beta Kappa, becoming the first deaf-blind person to receive a bachelor’s degree in arts. Helen learned how to speak, communicate through braille, and used finger spelling to communicate throughout her life.

A Prolific Writer and Author

Helen Keller was a proficient writer and author. In 1903, she published her autobiography, “The Story of My Life,” which became a world-famous bestseller. Throughout her life, she wrote a total of 12 books, essays, and articles on many topics like socialism and her experiences. Some of her works include “The World I Live In” (1908), “Midstream: My Later Life” (1929), and “Teacher: Anne Sullivan Macy” (1955).

Spiritual Writings and Advocacy for Health

Keller was also a spiritual writer who wrote about her spiritual beliefs. Helen Keller wrote a spiritual autobiography “My Religion,” discussing the teachings of Emanuel Swedenborg. She also wrote articles on newborns’ eye safety, advocating for simple health measures to prevent child blindness.

Public Speaking and Global Advocacy

Apart from her career as an author, Keller was a renowned public speaker. In 1916, she and Anne Sullivan delivered an inspiring lecture in Menomonie, Wisconsin, where Helen spoke about “Happiness.” She advocated for people with disabilities and traveled to over 25 countries, delivering motivational speeches on various topics, including the conditions of deaf people.

Founding Organizations and Political Activism

In 1915, Keller and George A. Kessler founded the Helen Keller International Organization, focusing on vision, health, and nutrition. In 1909, she became an active socialist campaigner and supported workers’ rights and women’s suffrage. In 1920, she co-founded the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), an organization defending individual rights.

Final Years and Death

On June 21, 1968, at her home, Arcan Ridge, in Easton, Connecticut, Helen Keller passed away due to natural causes at the age of 87. Her body was cremated and buried next to her companions Anne Sullivan and Polly Thomson.

Legacy: An Enduring Influence on Disability Rights

Keller’s death marked the end of a remarkable career. Her impact on disability rights and education is immeasurable, and she remains a symbol of perseverance, advocacy, and triumph over adversity.