Overview
This lecture covers the life of Helen Keller, focusing on her challenges as a deaf and blind person and her inspirational achievements with the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan.
Early Life and Disability
- Helen Keller was born in Alabama on June 27, 1880, with normal sight and hearing.
- She became deaf and blind at 19 months old due to a severe illness.
- As a young child, she struggled to communicate and often became frustrated.
Anne Sullivan: The Miracle Worker
- Anne Sullivan, who once had vision problems herself, became Helen’s teacher when Helen was six.
- Anne taught Helen to communicate using touch, tracing letters on Helen’s hand.
- Anne remained Helen’s companion and helper for over 50 years.
Learning to Communicate
- Helen learned to read using Braille, a system of raised bumps for the blind.
- She learned to use a typewriter by age 10.
- Another teacher, Sarah Fuller, taught Helen how to speak by feeling vibrations and lip movements.
Education and Writing
- Helen entered Radcliffe College at age 16, with Anne helping her by signing lectures into her hand.
- She graduated with honors in 1904, becoming the first deaf and blind person to graduate from college.
- Helen wrote articles and books about her experiences.
Advocacy and Later Life
- Helen worked with the American Foundation for the Blind, giving speeches and raising money.
- She visited wounded soldiers and encouraged people with disabilities.
- Helen met famous people including U.S. Presidents, Mark Twain, and Alexander Graham Bell.
- She wrote a book titled "Teacher" in honor of Anne Sullivan.
- Helen Keller died in 1968, just before her 88th birthday.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Deaf — unable to hear.
- Blind — unable to see.
- Braille — a reading system for the blind using raised bumps to represent letters.
- Advocate — someone who supports or speaks up for others.
- The Miracle Worker — nickname for Anne Sullivan due to her success teaching Helen.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the story and details about Helen Keller’s life for comprehension questions.
- Learn more about Braille and how it helps blind people read.