Helen Adams Keller was born on June 27, 1880 in Tuscumbia, Alabama. She embarked on a life that would challenge the very notions of human limitation. Keller lost her vision and hearing at the age of 19-months old because of an illness. Unable to communicate, her early childhood was marked by intense frustration and isolation. She didn’t find the world around her familiar because she wasn’t able to understand or be understood by the world around her. This challenging beginning, however, didn’t stop her from setting the stage for one of the most remarkable stories of forever changing perceptions of individuals with disabilities. Read this article to know how did Helen Keller communicate and how she turned a disability to her power.
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Who is Helen Keller?
An extraordinary American author, political activist and lecturer, Helen Keller was a symbol of perseverance for the world. In spite of losing her sight and hearing at an early age, she never stopped herself from gaining knowledge. She achieved an exceptional level of education and influence, inspiring many, regardless of their physical abilities. Keller gained recognition around the world for her advocacy for people with disabilities, a suffragist, and a pacifist. She inspired millions across the globe with her work and demonstrated the highest possibilities that everyone can overcome difficulties in their life and achieve their dreams despite the obstacles.
How Did Helen Keller Communicate?
For the first six years of her life, Helen's communication was limited to a few home signs and temper tantrums born of frustration. The turning point arrived in March 1887 with the arrival of Anne Sullivan, a young teacher who herself was visually impaired. Sullivan's innovative approach was crucial. She began by spelling words into Helen's hand using the manual alphabet (finger spelling).
Initially, Helen merely mimicked the movements without understanding their meaning. The breakthrough occurred at a water pump. Anne held Helen's hand under the gushing water and, simultaneously, spelled "w-a-t-e-r" into her other palm. In that instant, the connection was made: the cool liquid on her hand corresponded to the finger movements. This moment, often described as a miracle, unlocked language for Helen. From then on, she eagerly learned to finger-spell, rapidly acquiring a vast vocabulary.
As she grew, Helen learned other methods of communication. She learned to read Braille, which allowed her to read books and expand her knowledge independently. She also developed the ability to "listen" by placing her fingers on a speaker's lips and throat to feel the vibrations of their voice – a technique known as Tadoma.
Was Helen Keller born Deaf and Blind?
Helen Keller was not born deaf and blind. She was born with sight and hearing. She became profoundly deaf and blind at 19 months old after coming in contact with an unknown disease which possibly can be scarlet fever and meningitis. This sudden loss of senses plunged the young Helen into a world without light or sound, making communication incredibly challenging and leading to significant behavioral issues as she struggled to express herself and understand her surroundings. Unable to express her feelings and comprehend her surroundings in the world, due to her loss of vision and hearing, she was plunged into a world of darkness and quietness. She faced frustration and significant behavioral issues because she couldn’t communicate.
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Her Inspiring Story
After mastering finger-spelling, she went on to achieve remarkable academic success. With Anne Sullivan by her side, she attended Radcliffe College, graduating in 1904. She authored several books, including her famous autobiography, The Story of My Life, which remains a powerful testament to her journey. Keller traveled the world, giving lectures and advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, women's suffrage, and other social causes. Her life inspired numerous plays and films, most notably "The Miracle Worker," which beautifully depicts the transformative relationship between Helen and Anne. Helen Keller passed away in 1968, leaving behind a legacy of courage, intellect, and an unwavering belief in the human capacity to overcome even the most formidable obstacles.
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