Great Americans A to Z: Helen Keller

Helen Keller (1880-1968) was an American author, lecturer, and political activist. Helen was the first deaf-blind person to earn a college degree.

Before she was two years old, Helen contracted an illness that left her blind and deaf. She described her life before knowing words as being like a ship “at sea in a dense fog, when it seemed as if a tangible white darkness shut [her] in…and [she] waited with beating heart for something to happen…”

When Helen was six years old, her parents hired Anne Sullivan, a graduate of Perkins Institute for the Death and Blind, to become Helen’s teacher. Anne, who was partially blind herself, taught Helen words—both spelling and meaning.

Helen went on to author many books, essays, and letters. She wrote about her childhood and college experiences, her perception of the world, her political views and religion. She became a speaker who advocated rights for women, the poor, and individuals who were blind and/or deaf. She was also a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award.

Helen inspired many others to pursue higher education, such as Robert Smithdas (1925-still living!) who is the first deaf-blind person to earn a masters degree.

“Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.” ~Helen Keller

Does Helen Keller inspire you?

Great Americans A to Z: Eunice Kennedy Shriver

E is for Eunice Kennedy Shriver who was another one of my favorite heroines. She was more than just another Kennedy, as if being that weren't enough. Sister to JFK, she branded her own identity with a series of selfless and humane acts, making such an impact on the world that she moved us to brand her image on a U.S. silver dollar coin. 

Eunice Kennedy Shriver (1921-2009) graduated from college with a sociology degree and became a social worker for government programs that assisted women and juvenile delinquents. In politics, Eunice was no cookie cutter: she was a democrat but advocated pro-life, and she was a democrat whom republicans loved. Eunice was the recipient of numerous awards from both republican and democratic politicians for her volunteer work, and she has received honors designated only for presidents and first ladies, though she never served in these positions.

In 1962, Eunice founded Camp Shriver, a sports organization for individuals with disabilities. This organization would later be known as the Special Olympics.

In her own words, Eunice empowered people with disabilities:

“You are the stars and the world is watching you. By your presence, you send a message to every village, every city, every nation. A message of hope. A message of victory. The right to play on any playing field – you have earned it. The right to study in any school – you have earned it. The right to hold a job – you have earned it. The right to be anyone’s neighbor – you have earned it!”

Listen to Eunice’s speech here: 

http://www.eunicekennedyshriver.org

Do you feel that American schools and workplaces have improved in including individuals with disabilities?