From Early Challenges to Prolific Writer: The Journey of Helen Keller

Helen Keller is a celebrated figure in the history of disability advocacy and literature. Born in 1880, Keller faced significant challenges due to her visual and auditory impairments but overcame them to become a prolific writer and a prominent social activist. This article explores her early experiences with reading and the impact of braille on her life.

Learning to Read and Communicate

When Helen was seven years old, she developed a method of learning to read. She used block print letters within a frame to guide the pencil, a technique that was instrumental in her early education. This method allowed her to understand the basic structure of written language, which was a crucial step in her journey to becoming literate. It is important to note that despite her challenges, she persevered and eventually became a strong proponent of braille, which had a significant influence on the perception and adoption of this reading system in the United States.

The Impact of Braille

Braille was a transformative technology for Helen Keller. It allowed her to read and write independently, something that would have been much more difficult with her initial methods. After her exposure to the benefits of braille, she became a vocal advocate for its importance. If you search for “Helen Keller braille”, you will find numerous links to her essays and speeches on the subject, showcasing her commitment to this crucial tool for the visually impaired.

Personal Account of a Modern Blind Individual

It is also worth considering the experiences of a blind individual who was born in a different era. My friend, who is now around mid-60s, was born blind in an era where advancements in medical care were reducing the mortality rate of premature babies. However, these advancements often came with unforeseen side effects. In her case, the high concentration of oxygen used in incubators damaged her optic nerve, leading to her blindness. She reflects on how her life might have been different if she had been born just a few years earlier or later.

Learning braille was a challenging endeavor for her. According to her, it was even harder than obtaining her degree from Bryn Mawr College. This underscores the immense dedication and perseverance required for a blind person to succeed in a world predominantly designed for sighted individuals.

The Role of Intelligence and Resilience

Highly successful blind individuals like Helen Keller and her friend are often attributed with a higher degree of intelligence and resilience. Keller, in particular, who became a prolific writer and social activist despite her dual disabilities, is often considered a genius. Her ability to overcome such significant challenges speaks to the power of determination and a supportive community.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey of Helen Keller from an early blind child to a celebrated writer and activist is a narrative of resilience and adaptation. The adoption and advocacy of braille played a crucial role in her ability to communicate and contribute to society. Her story, along with that of my blind friend, highlights the importance of technological advancements in supporting the visually impaired and the immense effort required by these individuals to lead fulfilling lives.

Key Insights:

Helen Keller's early reading methods paved the way for her to become a prominent advocate for braille. Advancements in medical care in the early 20th century had unintended consequences for some visually impaired individuals. Blind individuals often demonstrate remarkable intelligence and resilience, overcoming significant obstacles to achieve success.