Introduction
Helen Keller is an inspiration to many people around the world, including students. Her life story serves as an example of determination, resilience, and the power of the human spirit. As a deaf and blind advocate, Keller showed us that being differently-abled does not mean one cannot make a difference in society. By teaching students about Helen Keller, we can inspire them to overcome adversity, foster empathy for people with disabilities, and understand the importance of advocacy for inclusion.
Background and Early Life
Born on June 27, 1880, in Tuscumbia, Alabama, Helen Adams Keller was a healthy child until an illness at the age of 19 months left her deaf and blind. The illness was later believed to have been scarlet fever or meningitis. As a young child, Keller struggled with communication and became increasingly isolated from her family and others around her.
In March 1887, when Helen was almost seven years old, Anne Sullivan came to Tuscumbia to become her teacher. Sullivan had also experienced vision loss due to a childhood illness. Their incredible journey together began with that famous moment when Sullivan taught Keller sign language by spelling “W-A-T-E-R” into her hand while running water over it.
Education and Accomplishments
From then on, Keller’s progress was remarkable. She learned to read Braille and began studying subjects like mathematics, history, literature, and Latin. With Sullivan by her side, she attended the Perkins School for the Blind before enrolling at The Wright-Humason School for the Deaf in New York City and eventually attending Radcliffe College.
In 1904, Helen Keller became the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Over time, she authored several books including her autobiography “The Story of My Life” (1903) which has been translated into over 50 languages and adapted into several theatrical productions and films.
Advocacy
Keller’s activism started at an early age when the public began recognizing her determination and achievements. Her experiences led her to advocate for people with disabilities, raise awareness, legislate change, and create opportunities for others facing similar challenges.
Keller traveled extensively, gave speeches, and met influential leaders to promote disability rights and raise funds for various organizations such as the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and the American Foundation for the Overseas Blind (AFOB). She was also a suffragist, pacifist, and a cofounder of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Conclusion
Teaching students about Helen Keller can have a profound impact on their understanding of disabilities, perseverance, and the capacity each person has to make a difference in the world. By sharing her story with students, we can empower them to challenge societal norms and strive for social justice while promoting empathy and inclusiveness.
