Did you all see the picture just released, showing Helen Keller in 1888, sitting alongside her teacher Annie Sullivan? Apparently someone took it while the Keller family was in Brewster, Massachusetts, for a summer vacation. See the doll on Helen’s lap? Annie brought it as a gift when she first started working with the little girl, and D-O-L-L was the first word that Helen learned to spell.
She was born blind and deaf, and had almost no way to communicate. Helen would lash out at anyone who tried to touch her, and for years, she was locked in a dark, silent, black hole. Can you imagine? One disability would be a challenge, but two? The amazing thing is that Helen was able to work with Annie and learn enough skills to be able to go to college — and graduate. She went on to be a well-known author and activist.
You can read all the details about the photograph here.
