Helen Adams Keller ( – ) was an American author, disability rights advocate, political activist and lecturer. Born in West Tuscumbia, Alabama, she lost her sight and her hearing after a bout of illness when she was 19 months old.
Helen Keller (1880–1968) was an American author, educator, and advocate for blind and deaf communities. Her accomplishments as a blind and deaf person helped to change perceptions of members of these communities and transformed in particular their opportunities for education.
Undeterred by deafness and blindness, Helen Keller rose to become a major 20th century humanitarian, educator and writer. She advocated for the blind and for women’s suffrage and co-founded the American Civil Liberties Union.
In 1946, when the American Braille Press became the American Foundation for Overseas Blind (now Helen Keller International), Helen was appointed counselor on international relations.
American educator Helen Keller overcame the adversity of being blind and deaf to become one of the 20th century's leading humanitarians as well as co-founder of the ACLU.
Learn about Helen Keller’s life and legacy. A courageous advocate for the deafblind, her extraordinary journey continues through Helen Keller Intl, where we carry on her mission to improve health, nutrition, and vision for vulnerable communities.
Helen Keller, born in 1880, faced extraordinary challenges when she lost her sight and hearing at 19 months old due to illness. With the guidance of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, Keller learned to communicate through tactile sign language, opening up a new world for her.
As a name that is known worldwide, Helen Keller is a symbol of courage and hope. Yet, she is much more than a name or a symbol. She was a woman of astounding intelligence, unwavering determination, unbelievable courage and insurmountable achievement.