357. Helen Keller: Overcoming Disability

Helen Keller was an American educator and journalist, became one of the leading humanitarians in the of the United States. Born on June 27, in Tuscumbia, a small town in Alabama, Keller stricken with a childhood disease that left her , and blind. The illness Keller suffered is a to this day. She was diagnosed with "Brain ," by her family doctor, but most people speculated she suffered from either Scarlet Fever, or Meningitis. to see, or hear, Keller became difficult to with as her behavior was described by her and friends as wild.

Soon Keller and her developed their own type of sign language that them to communicate on a limited basis. Helen's sought help for her anguished child, which eventually to Anne Sullivan, who was a recent graduate the Perkins Institute for the Blind. The school been successful in the past in educating blind , and Sullivan was one of its star graduates. Sullivan and Keller got through the difficult beginnings, friendship, and association lasted for 49 years.

Keller determined to become educated, and to teach herself communicate. After attending several schools, she became the deaf and blind person to earn a college . She became very well-known, and began a lecture where she addressed social and political issues, including 's suffrage, and birth control.

In 1920, she helped the American Civil Liberties Union, which is still today. She addressed Congress to raise awareness to plight of the blind. Through all her accomplishments, fell into disfavor with the American public because her socialist views later in her life. She in her sleep just days before his 88th , but she lives in the American consciousness for tireless work, and perseverance.