Our inspiration for this week is the story of Helen Keller, the first deaf-blind person to earn a bachelor of arts degree.
Born Helen Adams Keller on June 27, 1880, she was an American author, political activist and lecturer. In 1882, she fell ill and was struck blind, deaf and mute. 1887 onwards, Keller’s teacher Anne Sullivan helped her make tremendous progress with her ability to communicate. That was the beginning of a 49-year friendship between the two. Keller went on to college and graduated in 1904. Helen Keller saw that many blind people lived in poor conditions and did not get a good education, but she showed that it is possible for blind people to live happy, productive lives. Helen was also very interested in justice for blind people in other countries. She travelled to 40 countries around the world. She gave speeches and brought hope to many people. The communities that Keller visited increased their efforts for blind people. Keller also fought against injustice. She worked for social and women’s rights, and for peace.
Her birthday is commemorated as Helen Keller Day in the U.S. She was inducted in the Alabama Hall Of Fame in 1971.
It”s amazing how one can rise in spite of disabilities. What a great inspiration this week!