Helen Keller

Helen Keller, circa 1888

photo credit: Ira F. Collins, Huntsville Alabama

courtesy: American Foundation for the Blind

     Helen Keller was born on June 27, 1880 in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Helen was healthy baby girl. She became very ill at the age of 19 months. The illness left her blind and deaf.


     Helen became a wild little girl. She was unable to communicate with her parents. Helen's parents wanted to be able to communicate with her. They took her to see Alexander Graham Bell, when she was six years old. Alexander Graham Bell was unable to help Helen, but he introduced her parents to Anne Sullivan.

     Anne Sullivan was hired to come and live with Helen and to be her teacher. Anne tried to teach Helen words. Anne would spell words into Helen's hand. Helen did not understand what Anne was doing. One day at the water pump Helen understood that Anne was spelling water. This was the beginning of many great accomplishments for Helen. Anne taught Helen over 625 words in six months. She taught Helen how to read and write Braille. Helen learned to use a typewriter.

     Helen went on to graduate from college and learned to speak. Helen devoted her life to teaching others about how blind and deaf people can learn. Anne spent her life teaching Helen. Together they educated the world.

    Helen is an inspiration to all people. Helen proved that if you work hard you can make your dreams come true. Helen Keller died in 1968, but her story lives on today.

Tour of Helen Keller's Home