Overcoming Adversity: Helen Kellers Inspiring Journey from Disability to Advocacy

Abstract

Student’s Name Extraordinary Voices: Helen Keller, Music and the Limits of Oralism Brief Summary Helen Keller, an American author, political activist, lecturer, and advocate of disability rights, was born in the year 1880 as a very normal child. However, she lost her hearing and sight before turning her second birthday after succumbing to illness. Helen immediately began using home signs until she met her first teacher at the age of 7 years. Despite her disability challenges, she remained determined and ambitious in her studies. Her first teacher taught her reading and writing, which was made easier with the Braille and Tadoma methods (Accinno 2019). She later joined a college, making her the first deaf-blind person to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree. Having attained her bachelor's, she managed to work at the American Foundation for the Blind and began traveling to the United States when working there. She also managed to travel to other countries worldwide to advocate for blind people. As an author, she managed to write various books, essays, and speeches on various topics. Keller maintained her efforts in fighting for the vulnerable minority groups such as the disabled and the women gender. She also championed peace in the world and remained at the forefront in advocating for labor rights. As a political activist, Helen was among the founders of the American Civil Liberties Union and was also active in the Socialist party in America (Accinno 2019). She earned huge success as an author by being inducted into the Alabama Women's Hall of Fame, which made her one of the Alabama writers' Hall of fame. Later on, in her life, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Helen Keller's perseverance and determination enabled her to attain her goals despite her disability which struck her tenderly. What...