17 Interesting Facts about Helen Keller

Dan April 12, 2024

Helen Keller was a remarkable American author, lecturer, and advocate for the deaf-blind community, best known for her extraordinary achievements despite being deaf and blind from an early age. She was born on June 27, 1880, in Tuscumbia, Alabama, and at the age of 19 months, she contracted an illness—likely scarlet fever or meningitis—that left her deaf and blind.

Despite her disabilities, Helen Keller made significant strides in her education and communication with the help of her dedicated teacher, Anne Sullivan. Anne Sullivan taught Helen how to communicate using a manual alphabet pressed into her hand, enabling her to understand and express herself. This breakthrough marked the beginning of Helen’s journey towards learning to read, write, and speak.

Helen Keller’s life story gained international attention due to her perseverance and determination to overcome her disabilities. She became the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, graduating cum laude from Radcliffe College in 1904. Keller went on to become a prolific writer, publishing several books, articles, and essays on topics ranging from her own experiences to social and political issues.

In addition to her literary pursuits, Helen Keller was a passionate advocate for disability rights, women’s suffrage, and other social causes. She traveled extensively around the world, delivering lectures and speeches that inspired audiences and promoted awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. Keller’s advocacy work contributed to advancements in disability rights and paved the way for greater inclusivity and accessibility in society. Helen Keller’s legacy continues to inspire people globally, reminding us of the power of determination, resilience, and the human spirit to overcome adversity and make a positive impact on the world.

Here are 17 interesting facts about Helen Keller to know more about her.

1. Early Challenges: Helen Keller was left deaf and blind after an illness (likely scarlet fever or meningitis) at the age of 19 months.
2. Communication Breakthrough: At the age of 7, Helen began working with her teacher, Anne Sullivan, who taught her how to communicate using manual sign language.
3. Education: With Anne Sullivan’s guidance, Helen learned to read Braille and speak using tactile sign language, eventually progressing to lip reading and speaking aloud.
4. First Deaf-Blind Person to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Helen Keller graduated cum laude from Radcliffe College (now part of Harvard University) in 1904, becoming the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.
5. Published Author: Helen Keller was a prolific writer, publishing several books, articles, and essays throughout her life. Her autobiography, “The Story of My Life,” remains a classic.
6. International Speaker: Keller traveled extensively around the world, delivering lectures and speeches on disability rights, women’s suffrage, and other social issues.
7. Political Activism: Helen Keller was a vocal advocate for social justice and political causes, including women’s rights, pacifism, and workers’ rights.
8. Inspirational Quotes: Keller is known for her inspirational quotes, such as “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”
9. Award-Winning Advocate: Helen Keller received numerous honors and awards for her advocacy work, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964.
10. Animal Welfare Advocate: Keller was also an advocate for animal welfare and supported organizations that promoted humane treatment of animals.
11. Relationship with Anne Sullivan: Helen Keller’s relationship with her teacher, Anne Sullivan, was instrumental in her development and success. They remained lifelong companions and friends.
12. International Symbol: Helen Keller became an international symbol of resilience and determination, inspiring millions of people with disabilities around the world.
13. Photographic Memory: Keller had a remarkable photographic memory and could recall spoken words by feeling the speaker’s lips with her fingertips.
14. Literary Legacy: In addition to her autobiography, Helen Keller wrote several other books, including “The World I Live In” and “Out of the Dark.”
15. Political Affiliations: Keller was a member of the Socialist Party of America and supported progressive political causes.
16. Founding Member of ACLU: Helen Keller was one of the founding members of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in 1920.
17. Death and Legacy: Helen Keller passed away on June 1, 1968, leaving behind a lasting legacy of courage, determination, and advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities.

Helen Keller’s life story is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and the indomitable human spirit. Overcoming immense challenges as a deaf-blind individual, she not only learned to communicate and navigate the world but also became a trailblazer in advocacy, education, and social change. Through her remarkable journey with her teacher Anne Sullivan, Helen Keller demonstrated the transformative impact of education and the importance of breaking down barriers for individuals with disabilities. Her legacy extends far beyond her own achievements, inspiring countless people worldwide to embrace resilience, compassion, and the pursuit of equality. Helen Keller’s contributions to disability rights, literature, and social activism continue to resonate today, reminding us of the profound impact one person’s courage and determination can have on the world.