Five Lessons from Helen Keller

 

 Helen Keller (1880-1968):

We are fortunate enough to live in an era in which disability is not stigmatised. Some might argue that disability is considered a badge of honour, or that there is a trend towards recognising – perhaps even creating ‘disability’ – where previously there was none. One of the pioneering advocates for the mindshift towards acceptance of disability was Helen Keller.

In a different era, no doubt millions of people were disregarded, undermined incarcerated or even quietly euthanised for the heinous ‘crime’ of being disabled. The ‘one size fits all’ mentality of the nineteenth and earlier twentieth centuries had little tolerance desire or resources to accommodate difference. Often the highest ideal of certain societies was to make everyone feel, think and act the same. And woe betide any transgressors.

Helen Keller (1880-1968) was an outstanding example of that other side of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in which individual endeavour, grit fortitude and perseverance prevailed and allowed her to become a charismatic and pioneering advocate for people with disabilities. She was fortunate to have been born into an environment and with the kinds of support necessary to assist her, true, [Check out this scene of her life from 'The Miracle Worker']but Keller succeeded 'at life' to such an extent that her life and philosophy served as an example for all people.

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.

She was an American author, lecturer, and political activist, born in Tuscumbia, Alabama. At the age of 19 months, she contracted an illness, likely scarlet fever or meningitis, which left her deaf and blind. She went on to become the first deaf-blind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. In a full life, in which it is difficult to pinpoint or extract her incredible influence, her are five main lessons she exemplified for all of us to learn from:

Resilience: Despite facing immense challenges with her dual disabilities, Helen Keller exhibited extraordinary resilience and perseverance. She overcame the initial isolation and frustration, learning to communicate and ultimately achieving academic success. Her view was that “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved”.

Communication: Keller's life underscores the importance of communication. Through the guidance of her teacher Anne Sullivan, she learned to communicate using finger spelling and later, Braille. This opened up the world for her, enabling her to express herself, pursue education, and connect with others.

Education: Helen Keller valued education as a means of empowerment. She attended Radcliffe College, graduating cum laude, and dedicated her life to advocating for education for the blind and deaf. Keller's journey emphasizes the transformative potential of education in breaking down barriers and unlocking one's potential.

Justice: Keller was a passionate advocate for various social and political causes, including women's suffrage, labour rights, and pacifism. Her activism highlights the importance of using one's voice and influence to champion justice and equality : “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. … The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”

Differences: Helen Keller's life encourages an embrace of diversity and the celebration of differences. Despite her disabilities, she demonstrated that individuals with unique challenges can contribute meaningfully to society. Her story serves as a reminder to look beyond superficial differences: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

Overcoming difficulties is its own reward this is perhaps Helen Keller's greatest lesson for us all.