Helen Adams Keller (June 27, 1880 – June 1, 1968) was an American author, political activist, and lecturer. She was the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her birthday on June 27 is commemorated as Helen Keller Day in the US.In 1984, US President Reagan announcedthe last week of June as “Helen Keller Deaf-Blind Awareness Week” — an occasion to raise awareness about deaf-blindness and highlight the contributions of those who have this disability.
Helen Keller was born with normal hearing and sight butat the age of 19 months, shesuffered from an illness of “acute congestion of the stomach and brain” that was considered to cause her lifelong deafness and blindness.According to the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, there area variety of possible causes fordeaf-blindness which include maternal rubella, Usher syndrome, Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, maternal drug use, AIDS, herpes, syphilis etc.
Keller was well-traveled and outspoken in her convictions. She went on to become a world-famous speaker and author. Today, she is remembered as an advocate for people with disabilities and as a political activist who campaigned for women’s suffrage, labor rights, socialism, antimilitarism, and other similar causes.“Helen Keller Services for the Blind” mission was established to help individuals of all ages who are blind or visually impaired, and who may have additional disabilities, to develop independence. Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York,Helen Keller Services for the Blind’s programs include comprehensive rehabilitation services, low vision clinics, children’s learning center, vocational assessment and job placement, assistive technology centers, preschool vision screening program, senior centers, day treatment program etc.
Keller wrote a total of 12 published books and several articles and at age 22, she published her autobiography “The story of my life” which depicted the story of her life up to age 21 and it was written during her time in college.She was the subject of documentaries “Helen Keller in Her Story” and “The Story of Helen Keller”. In 1984,Keller’s life story was made into a TV movie called “The Miracle Continues”.The Bollywood movie “Black” (2005) was largely based on Keller’s story, from her childhood to her graduation.
In 1915, Helen Keller International was founded that is dedicated to saving and improving the sight and lives of the world’s vulnerable by combating the causes and consequences of blindness, poor health and malnutrition.
Turacoz Healthcare Solutions is passionate to spread the awareness on such social or healthcare related issues as a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity. On her birthday, we give her a tribute by sharing her story.
