In this biography, learn more about Keller’s early life, education, and career, as well as her many accomplishments and her lasting legacy. Discover how she overcame her challenges to achieve great things and how she continues to inspire people around the world to live their lives to the fullest.
Helen Adams Keller Biography

Helen Adams Keller (June 27, 1880 – June 1, 1968) was an American author, political activist, and lecturer. She was the first deafblind person to earn a bachelor of arts degree.
Keller was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama, on June 27, 1880. She was a healthy child until she was 19 months old, when she contracted an illness that left her deaf and blind. Keller’s parents were devastated by her diagnosis, and they tried everything they could to help her.
Helen Adams Keller Biography
In 1887, Keller’s parents hired Anne Sullivan, a young teacher from the Perkins School for the Blind, to tutor her. Sullivan began by teaching Keller how to communicate using hand signals. She also taught Keller how to read and write in Braille.
Helen Adams Keller Biography
At first, Keller was frustrated and difficult to teach. She would often throw tantrums and break things. But Sullivan was patient and persistent. She slowly won Keller’s trust and helped her to learn.
In 1889, Keller made a breakthrough. She learned to associate words with objects. She realized that the word “water” meant the cold liquid that she could drink. This was a turning point in Keller’s life. She finally had a way to communicate with the world around her.
Helen Adams Keller Biography
Keller continued to learn and grow under Sullivan’s tutelage. In 1894, she enrolled in the Wright-Humason School for the Deaf in New York City. She graduated from the Wright-Humason School in 1898 and enrolled in the Radcliffe College for Women.
Keller graduated from Radcliffe College in 1904 with a bachelor of arts degree. She was the first deafblind person to earn a college degree. After graduating from college, Keller began to lecture and write about her experiences. She also became a political activist. She fought for the rights of women, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups.
Helen Adams Keller Biography
Keller traveled the world, giving lectures and meeting with world leaders. She met with presidents, prime ministers, and other dignitaries. She also spoke to large audiences about her experiences and her beliefs.
Keller wrote several books about her life and her work. Her most famous book is The Story of My Life, which was published in 1903. Other notable books by Keller include Optimism (1903), The World I Live In (1908), and My Religion (1927).

Helen Adams Keller Biography
Keller was a prolific writer. She wrote over 14 books and hundreds of articles. She also translated several books into Braille. Keller’s writings helped to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities and to promote understanding and acceptance.
Keller was also a political activist. She was a member of the Socialist Party of America and the American Civil Liberties Union. She fought for the rights of women, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups.
Helen Adams Keller Biography
Keller died on June 1, 1968, at the age of 87. She is remembered as one of the most important and influential people of the 20th century. Her legacy continues to inspire people around the world to overcome challenges and achieve their dreams.
Here are some of Helen Keller’s most notable contributions:
- She was the first deafblind person to earn a bachelor of arts degree.
- She was a prolific writer and author of over 14 books and hundreds of articles.
- She was a political activist who fought for the rights of women, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups.
- She was a role model for people with disabilities and helped to raise awareness about the challenges they face.
- She was an inspiration to people around the world to overcome challenges and achieve their dreams.
Helen Adams Keller Biography
Here are some of Helen Keller’s most famous quotes:
- “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”
- “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”
- “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.”
- “The world is full of magic, waiting for someone to open their eyes and see it.”
- “Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.”
Helen Adams Keller Biography
Helen Keller was a courageous and inspiring woman who overcame tremendous challenges to achieve great things. Her legacy continues to inspire people around the world to live their lives to the fullest.
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