Helen Keller Day 2024: Why it is Celebrated and Know Her Chronology of Life

Every year on June 27, we celebrate Helen Keller Day. This day honors the extraordinary life and achievements of Helen Keller, an inspirational figure who defied limits and became a beacon of hope for countless people.

Helen Keller’s legacy extends far beyond her academic achievements. She became a powerful advocate for the deaf and blind communities. She worked tirelessly to improve their lives. She fought for social justice and disability rights, becoming a prominent figure in the early 20th century. Her writings and speeches resonated with audiences around the world, inspiring them with her courage and optimism.

Remembering an author, lecturer and champion for the cause of people with disabilities #HelenKeller On her birthday. She became the first deafblind person to communicate effectively with the sighted and hearing world. Helen is recognized around the world as a symbol of courage in the face of adversity… pic.twitter.com/dIJpFrIWiz

Why celebrate Helen Keller Day?

Helen Keller was born on June 27, 1880. She lost her sight and hearing at a very young age due to illness. Nevertheless, with the help of her dedicated teacher, Anne Sullivan, Helen learned to communicate in sign language and Braille, achieving the seemingly impossible. Her perseverance and thirst for knowledge made her the first deaf-blind person to graduate from college in the United States.

Helen Keller Day is more than just a birthday celebration. It’s a day to look back on her incredible achievements:

  • Breaking Barriers: Helen’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
  • Speaks for people with disabilities: She became a powerful voice for people with disabilities, fighting for their rights and education.
  • An inspiration to all: Her life stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that with determination and the right support, anything is possible.

What is the chronology of Helen Keller’s life?

Let’s take a look at Helen Keller’s extraordinary life:

Early life (1880-1887):

  • 1880: Helen Adams Keller is born in Tuscumbia, Alabama, healthy.
  • 1882: At 19 months old, Helen loses her hearing and sight due to illness.
  • 1887: Frustrated and lonely, Helen’s parents seek help. Alexander Graham Bell recommends the Perkins Institution for the Blind, which sends a young teacher, Anne Sullivan.

Education and Breakthroughs (1887-1904):

  • 1888: Helen begins attending Perkins Institution for the Blind.
  • 1894: Helen and Annie move to New York City to further their education at the Wright-Humason School for the Deaf and Dumb.
  • 1900: After attending a number of schools, Helen is admitted to Radcliffe College, a milestone in deaf-blind education.

Author and Advocate (1903-1945):

  • 1903: Helen publishes her autobiography, Story of My Life, to worldwide acclaim.
  • 1904: Helen becomes the first deaf-blind person to graduate from college, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from Radcliffe College.
  • 1905: Helen begins a lifelong career as a writer and speaker, advocating for the rights of the disabled.
  • 1919: This year was a great year for Helen Keller! Not only did she star in the movie “The Four”, which witnessed her extraordinary life journey, but fate also allowed her to meet the comedy genius Charlie Chaplin
  • 1919-1924: Helen embarks on a journey to raise awareness. She travels across the United States giving lectures and performances, sharing her story and inspiring audiences everywhere. This further spreads her fame and solidifies her place as a prominent woman on the world stage.
  • 1924: This is a pivotal year for Helen Keller, as she begins her life’s mission: serving as consultant on national and international relations for the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB). Through her tireless advocacy and engaging presence, Helen raises AFB’s profile across the country.
  • 1925: This was a remarkable year for Helen Keller! She gave a powerful speech at the Lions Clubs International Convention. Her stirring words inspired them to become “the blind’s knights against darkness.” This lasting impact inspired Lions to establish many programs focused on saving sight and establishing eye banks.
  • 1927: Helen Keller’s profound exploration of faith is published. Her book, My Religion, is published, giving people a glimpse into her personal beliefs.
  • 1929: At age 49, Helen Keller publishes her autobiography, Middle Stream: My Later Years. She also embarks on her first trip to Europe, an amazing feat for a woman who has overcome so much.
  • 1932: Great news in 1932! Braille is accepted as the standard alphabet for blind people throughout the world. This great achievement is due in large part to Helen’s powerful voice. She tirelessly advocated for a single system so that blind people everywhere would have the key to literacy and knowledge.

Later Life and Legacy (1946-1968):

  • 1946: Helen Keller, a philanthropic crusader for the disabled, embarks on an extraordinary world tour from 1946 to 1957. She travels to 35 countries on five continents, inspiring people and sparking a movement.
  • 1952: Helen Keller is honored! The National Academy of Social Sciences recognizes her extraordinary life and contributions by awarding her the Gold Medal. The medal is given annually to an outstanding person who has made a significant difference in the lives of others.
  • 1953: Helen Keller begins a journey to India and meets with Indian Prime Minister Nehru.
  • 1954: Upon her return to the United States, her birthplace, Ivy Green in Tuscumbia, Alabama, reaches another milestone when it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1955: This is a banner year for Helen Keller! She wins an Academy Award, a coveted statuette, for her performance in the documentary film, The Helen Keller Story.
  • 1955: She breaks another barrier, becoming the first woman to receive an honorary doctorate from the prestigious Harvard University.
  • 1961: A stroke forces Helen to withdraw from public life.
  • 1964: Helen receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom, a high honor.
  • June 1, 1968: Helen Keller dies peacefully at her home in Connecticut.

Helen Keller’s story continues to inspire generations to break down barriers, advocate for equality, and embrace the power of education.

Read | Helen Keller Day 2024: 30+ Quotes from Helen Keller on Education, Life, Love and Success

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