Helen Keller (June 27, 1880 – June 1, 1968) was an American author, educator, and advocate who was both blind and deaf. She lost her sight and hearing at 19 months old due to an illness, possibly scarlet fever. Despite these challenges, she learned to communicate with the help of her teacher Anne Sullivan, who taught her language through finger spelling on her palm. Keller became the first deafblind person in the United States to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree, graduating cum laude from Radcliffe College in 1904
. Keller was a prolific writer and lecturer, authoring 14 books and numerous essays and speeches on diverse topics including disability rights, women's suffrage, labor rights, and world peace. She was an influential political activist, joining the Socialist Party of America and co-founding the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in 1920. She also co-founded Helen Keller International in 1915, an organization focused on vision, health, and nutrition research
. Throughout her life, Keller traveled extensively, giving motivational speeches in over 25 countries and meeting many prominent figures including U.S. presidents and cultural icons. She advocated passionately for people with disabilities and worked to improve their treatment and opportunities. Her autobiography, The Story of My Life (1903), remains a classic, and her life story inspired the play and film The Miracle Worker
. Keller's activism extended to civil rights, pacifism, birth control, and labor rights. She was an early supporter of the NAACP and opposed racial injustice. She also protested U.S. involvement in World War I and championed workers' rights, highlighting the exploitation and dangers faced by industrial laborers
. In recognition of her achievements, Keller received numerous honors including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964 and honorary doctorates from prestigious universities
. In summary, Helen Keller was a pioneering figure who overcame profound disabilities to become a world-renowned author, educator, and advocate for social justice and disability rights
