Helen Keller: A Comprehensive Overview

Who Was Helen Keller?

• American educator, advocate for blind and deaf
• Co-founder of the ACLU
• Lost sight and hearing at age 2 due to illness
• Teacher Anne Sullivan helped her communicate
• Graduated college in 1904
• Received numerous honors for her accomplishments

Early Life and Family

• Born June 27, 1880, in Tuscumbia, Alabama
• Parents: Arthur H. Keller (Confederate Army officer) and Katherine Adams Keller
• Family relied on income from cotton plantation and local newspaper
• Helen started speaking at 6 months, walking at 1 year

Loss of Sight and Hearing

• At 19 months, illness resulted in loss of sight and hearing
• Developed limited sign language with Martha Washington, family cook's daughter
• Created more than 60 signs by age 7 for communication
• Became wild and unruly; family considered institutionalization

Keller's Teacher, Anne Sullivan

• Worked with Keller from 1887 to Sullivan’s death in 1936
• Introduced by Michael Anaganos at Perkins Institute for the Blind
• Began teaching Keller finger spelling with the word "doll"
• Breakthrough with the word "water" at a water pump
• Married John Macy in 1905; remained Keller's guide

Education

• Speech classes at Horace Mann School for the Deaf (1890)
• Attended Wright-Humason School for the Deaf in NYC (1894-1896)
• Determined to attend college; attended Radcliffe College, graduating cum laude in 1904
• Methods of communication: touch-lip reading, Braille, speech, typing, finger-spelling

'The Story of My Life'

• First book, published in 1905, detailing her transformation and educational journey

Social Activism

• Advocated for women's suffrage, pacifism, birth control, socialism
• Testified before Congress for blind welfare
• Co-founded Helen Keller International (1915) and the ACLU (1920)
• Joined American Federation for the Blind (1921)
• Wrote on socialism, faced public prejudice due to disabilities
• Traveled to 35 countries promoting awareness

'The Miracle Worker' Movie

• Based on Keller's autobiography, adapted into a TV drama (1957), Broadway play, and 1962 film

Awards and Honors

• Theodore Roosevelt Distinguished Service Medal (1936)
• Presidential Medal of Freedom (1964)
• Women’s Hall of Fame (1965)
• Honorary degrees from multiple universities worldwide

Death

• Died June 1, 1968, in her sleep in Connecticut
• Suffered strokes in 1961, spent remaining years at home

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Helen Adams Keller
• Born: June 27, 1880
• Died: June 1, 1968

Quotes

• Inspirational quotes about perseverance, knowledge, language, and overcoming adversity

Biography.com Staff

• Team of experienced editors and journalists specializing in biographical content

These notes efficiently summarize the key points and major life events of Helen Keller, capturing her achievements, education, social activism, and legacy.