Helen Keller was an inspirational figure who overcame tremendous odds to become an advocate for the disabled and a beacon of hope for those facing adversity. Born deaf and blind, she was able to learn to communicate and read despite her disabilities. Through her determination and the help of
Helen Adams Keller was an American author, disability rights advocate, political activist and lecturer. Born in West Tuscumbia, Alabama, she lost her sight and her hearing after a bout of illness when she was 19 months old. She then communicated primarily using home signs until the age of seven, when she met her first teacher and life-long companion Anne Sullivan. Sullivan taught Keller language, including reading and writing. After an education at both specialist and mainstream schools, Keller attended Radcliffe College of Harvard University and became the first deafblind person in the United States to earn a college diploma.