Wednesday, 15 May 2013

They made a difference - Helen Keller

27 June 1880 – 1 June 1968, age 87

Photo courtesy: jimmywayne cc
Born on 27th June 1880, Helen Keller was almost 2 years old before a childhood illness left her blind, deaf and dumb.  With the help of her teacher Anne Sullivan, Helen emerged from her silent world, learning to communicate, earn a degree and become a world famous speaker and author.

photo courtesy: WBUR cc
One cannot talk of Helen without also talking of Anne Sullivan, intelligent, partially blind herself and only 20, she took on the role of governess to 6 year old, blind-deaf Helen Keller, a relationship that later matured to lifelong companionship, lasting until Anne's death at age 70 on October 20, 1936.

The story of Anne teaching Helen to communicate is touchingly, retold in the 1962 movie, The Miracle Worker.

A strong advocate for improving the world for the disabled, Helen also made a number of topical political issues of the day, her own, including women's suffrage and birth control.

Keller tackled social and political issues, including women's suffrage, pacifism and birth control. She testified before Congress, strongly advocating to improve the welfare of blind people. In 1915, along with renowned city planner George Kessler, she co-founded Helen Keller International to combat the causes and consequences of blindness and malnutrition. In 1920, she helped found the American Civil Liberties Union.

Inspirational Quotes

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.  Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved"
"Life is either a great adventure or nothing" 

Useless facts:

  • Sun sign (astrology): Cancer
  • Myers Briggs           : INFP

 

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