Helen Adams Keller was born June 27, 1880. At birth she was a normal healthy baby. At nineteen months old she fell ill. As a result of the illness she became deaf and blind. A once healthy baby was left in a void. Helen remained undiciplined and uneducated until her parents found her a tutor, she was years old.

It had been very difficult for Helen's parents, they were not prepared to raise a child with special needs. Helen needed a constant companion. The first task was to teach her to communicate. Her parents had just let her go and mire in her dark existence.

The tutor they found was Annie Sullivan. Annie had been partially blind as a child and underdstood the world of blindness. Sullivan was twenty years old looking for a position. Not wanting to become a seamstress nor sell books from door to door, she pondered her future. It was through a mutual friend that she received a letter asking her if she would be interested in being a ''governess' for a deaf and blind child.

This would be the start of a lifelong profession and friendship for both Helen and Annie, the teacher and pupil. Helen's coming out of the darkness would be a up hill battle, but this young teacher would succeed where it was thought that no one could.

The achievements of Helen and Annie made them both very famous. Helen set an example of what handicapped people could do given the chance. She fought for the rights of the handicapped. Together they traveled the world. Helen gave lectures and met with heads of state all over the world. Some of Annie's teaching methods are still used today.

There were others who helped and encouraged Helen during her early years. Alexander Bell was one of her foremost sponsors. Bell had been very active in helping the deaf and blind. Helen and Bell became good friends. Afterall Helen was a remarkable child.

Helen Keller became world famous, she was a symbol of hope for people the world over. Keller inspired people where ever she went. Keller raised money and people's awareness about the deaf and blind. There are many books about her life and there may still be a few documentaries around abour her life.