15 Interesting Facts about Helen Keller for kids
Helen Keller, an American novelist, educator, and campaigner, lived from 1880 until 1968. She was born in Tuscumbia, Alabama, and became blind and deaf after a severe illness at 19 months.
Despite these challenges, she went on to become an accomplished writer, receiving several honorary degrees and publishing several books, including her autobiography, “The Story of My Life.”In addition, Keller was a well-known pacifist, a supporter of women’s rights, and a champion of those with disabilities.
Her life and accomplishments continue to serve as an inspiration to people all around the world.
Who is Hellen Keller?
American novelist, speaker, and political activist Helen Keller (1880–1968) overcame her multiple disabilities of being deaf and blind from a young age.
She was able to learn how to communicate through the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, and went on to become a leading advocate for people with disabilities.
Keller was an accomplished writer, with several books and articles to her name, and she traveled extensively throughout her life, advocating for women’s suffrage, workers’ rights, and pacifism.
She remains an inspiration to people around the world for her determination, resilience, and achievements despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Fun facts about Helen Keller
1. Birthplace and early life:
In Tuscumbia, Alabama, on June 27, 1880, Helen Keller was born to parents Arthur H. Keller and Kate Adams Keller.
She was born healthy and could see and hear like other children, but an illness struck her at 19 months old, leaving her blind and deaf.
2. Challenges she faced:
Losing her sight and hearing presented a unique set of challenges for Keller, making communication and learning difficulties.
Despite these challenges, Keller worked hard to overcome them and achieve remarkable success in her life.
3. Educational achievements:
Keller was the first person who was both deaf and blind to receive a bachelor’s degree.
She studied at several institutions of higher learning, including Radcliffe College, Harvard University, and the Cambridge School for Young Ladies.
4. Multilingual abilities:
Keller was a linguist and learned to read and write in several languages, including English, French, and German. She was also proficient in Braille and signed language.
5. Writing career:
Keller was a prolific writer, authoring several books, including her autobiography, “The Story of My Life.” She also wrote articles, essays, and speeches on a variety of topics, including social justice, disability rights, and women’s suffrage.
6. Suffragist work:
Keller was a devoted suffragist who worked to ensure that women would have the ability to vote.
She supported the National Woman’s Party and was an honorary member of the Equal Rights League.
7. Advocacy for people with disabilities:
Keller was a lifelong advocate for people with disabilities, working to improve access to education, employment, and social services.
Both the Helen Keller International organization and the American Foundation for the Blind were founded with her assistance.
8. Pacifism:
Keller was a devoted pacifist, speaking out against war and violence throughout her life.
She was a Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom member and supported the American Friends Service Committee.
9. Love for animals:
Keller was an animal lover and kept several pets, including dogs, cats, and birds.
She was known to train her dogs to communicate using sign language.
10. Travel experiences:
Keller was an avid traveler, visiting more than 35 countries during her lifetime.
She traveled to Europe, Asia, and South America, among other places.
11. Public speaking:
Keller was an accomplished public speaker, delivering speeches and lectures all over the world.
She spoke on topics ranging from disability rights to international peace.
12. Musical talent:
Keller was an accomplished pianist who cherished performing music all of her life.
She learned to play the piano using a Braille system and was known to play classical music.
13. Honorary degrees:
Keller was awarded several honorary degrees from universities worldwide, including Harvard, Yale, and Columbia University.
14. Presidential Medal of Freedom:
The highest recognition bestowed upon a citizen in the United States is the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and in 1964, Helen Keller was awarded this prestigious honor in acknowledgment of her tireless advocacy work for individuals with disabilities.
The award was a fitting tribute to Keller’s many decades of unwavering dedication and commitment to promoting equal rights and opportunities for all.
15. Legacy:
Keller passed away on June 1, 1968, at the age of 87, but her legacy as an advocate for social justice and equality lives on to this day.
Her bravery, tenacity, and resolve to face hardship head-on continue to inspire people all around the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Helen Keller was a remarkable individual who overcame tremendous adversity to become an accomplished writer, activist, and advocate.
Her narrative is a monument to the human spirit’s resiliency and the strength of perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
She dedicated her entire life to advancing social justice and equality as well as the lives of disabled people.
Her legacy continues to inspire people around the world to this day, and her story serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for greatness within each of us, regardless of our circumstances.