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Helen Keller Timeline


Timeline Description: Helen Keller was an amazing woman who refused to let anything stand in her way even being blind and deaf. She was an inspiration to those around her, and she still is an inspiration today. This timeline tells about her life.

DateEvent TitleEvent Description
1880Helen Keller is bornHelen was born as a healthy child in Tuscumbia, AL.
1881Helen became ill with meningitisWhen Helen was still a baby she became sick with meningitis. The illness caused her to lose her sight and hearing.
1887Helen meets Anne SullivanHelen's parents knew that Helen needed extra help. They hired a tutor to help her, and the tutor's name was Anne Sullivan.
1887Helen makes her first signsAnne taught Helen how to spell words in sign language. Her first signs were "water" and "doll".
1888Helen begins to make progressAnne loved Helen, and over the years she taught Helen how to read and write in Braille, a language for the blind.
1888Helen moves to New YorkAnne and Helen moved to New York so Helen could go to a school for the blind. A few years later she also attended a school for the deaf.
1900Helen goes to collegeWith Anne's help, Helen was able to go to Radcliffe College. She worked on the school newspaper.
1904Helen makes history by graduatingHelen was the first blind and deaf person to graduate from college. She had begun writing and publishing books as well.
1924Helen begins her travelsHelen met many people after her graduation. People everywhere were impressed with her determination, and she was asked to speak at many important events.
1937Helen travels to JapanHelen began travelling as far away as Japan. She became close to the people, and they even presented her with a special dog as a gift.
1946Helen makes an impact around the worldHelen visited over 35 different countries. She spoke on behalf of disabled people, and many governments opened schools for the blind and deaf because of her.
1954A shrine in Helen's honorHelen's hometown of Tuscumbia, AL, made her girl-hood home, Ivy Green, a shrine in her honor.
1956Helen becomes a Harvard GradHarvard University gave Helen an honorary degree for all of her accomplishments.
1964The Medal of FreedomHelen was awarded the Medal of Freedom by President Lyndon Johnson.
1968Helen's deathHelen died at the age of 88. Her name and spirit lived on in all the good things that she accomplished. She paved the way for those with disabilities around the world.