Helen Keller - by Carla Bertoldi

Helen Keller was born on June 27th, 1880, in a small town in Alabama. What makes her extra ordinary is the fact that at the age of 19th months she suffered from something that may have been scarlet fever. The illness left her blind and deaf. Keller did not let this make her give up on opportunities that most children and women have had. She was the first blind-deaf women to graduate from college. She attended Radcliffe College and graduated in 1904.
Upon her college graduation Keller devoted her life to writing and public speaking. She wanted to serve as an inspiration to women. She fought for those with disabilities, she supported birth control, and she supported women’s suffrage. President Lyndon B. Johnson even awarded her the President Medal of Freedom for all achievements and for making a difference in the lives of others. At the age of 87, on June 1st, 1968 Helen Keller.
In her long life of 87 years, I truly believe Helen Keller touched the lives of many people and I think her legacy still does today. Although she wrote and was an activist for many causes. Her own life story and her persistent struggle, and the fact that she refused to give up, and overcame all obstacles are what make her so accomplished. Overcoming her disability was her greatest accomplishment. The fact that she inspired others makes her personal accomplishment even more powerful.
Helen Keller was an advocate of many causes. She supported the American Foundation for the Blind. Was a socialist and supported equal suffrage. Favored the feminist pro choice views, and supported birth control use. Was a member of the Women’s Peace Party. She also supported the NAACP and helped found the American Civil Liberties Union. She fought for both the rights of the disables, and civil rights in general (this includes both rights base on race and feminism).
At an early age I read about Helen Keller. Even since then I have been interested in her life, not just because of her feminist actions, but because I can personally relate to they type of person she is. My mother suffers from a degenerative disease that will eventually leave her both blind and deaf. My mother to me is a real life hero, because she is living her life, overcoming a devastating disability, and she does it with the kindness heart. Due to my mother I have always admired Helen Keller. I learned that she was more of an activist than for just disability and I think this makes her even more admirable. She has taught the world that nothing should hold us back from living the life we dream to live.
For further information and resources used on Helen Keller please see:

http://www.rethinkingschools.org/archive/17_01/Kell171.shtml

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Keller

http://www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/publicwebsite/public_keller.hcsp