HELEN KELLER: TAKING A STAND FOR THE DEAF AND BLIND

Raghu Gorla
Senior Division
Individual Website
Word Count: 498
Topic Selection

Although many women in history have accomplished great tasks, only one has traveled

the world for the betterment of her fellow sisters and brothers with disabilities. Helen Adams

Keller, who suffered from a loss of hearing and sight nineteen months after her birth, improved

the lives of the many people with physical disabilities and altered the worlds perception of their

capabilities. Rather than remaining a follower and feeling sorrow for her own disabilities, Keller

decided to become the leader and create an everlasting change. In order to have a thorough

understanding of her remarkable actions and desires, I decided to research and create a website

that offers significant information regarding Kellers life, pursuits, and accomplishments.

Research Conduction

Most of the research conducted was done through the use of books written by Keller,

herself, as well as ones written by others about her. A valuable source that was referred to much

of the time during the conduction of research was Helen Kellers autobiography, which provided

great insight into her thoughts, ideas, and challenges in life. Other important books were found at

local libraries and provided useful information about her contribution to many organization such

as the American Civil Liberties Union and the Helen Keller International Organization, founded

by her in 1915. Moreover, numerous online sources provided real photographs and videos of

Keller going about her daily life with her companion, Anne Sullivan, or travelling the world

while supporting others with disabilities. These sources aided in truly understanding Kellers

motives and her passion for the betterment of humanity.

Selection of Category & Creation of Project

In order to integrate the necessary and abundant information about Helen Kellers life

and accomplishments, a website seemed to be the most suitable medium. The concept of

navigating to different pages and accessing the various facts and photographs will not only

simplify the process of obtaining information, but also appeal to users eye. The creation of the

website was done in a step by step process based on different intervals in Kellers lifetime. From

her birth to her death, the website covers many aspects of her life such as education,

companionship, activism, as well as leadership. Many photographs of Helen Keller support this

information.

Taking a Stand

My topic connects to this years National History Day theme, Taking a Stand, in that

Helen Keller was one of the first individuals to impact the way society viewed others with

disabilities. She ardently supported them while protecting their rights and ensuring their

well-being. Moreover, Keller refused to take her disabilities as excuses and, instead, challenged

herself to become the idol she is now to the many deaf and blind people in this world. Her

impact, as an educator and activist, is evident in the many preserved speeches, articles, videos,

and books today. She has paved a path for many others, including those who seek confidence and

courage. Overall, Keller was one of the first women to take a stand for those commonly ignored

in our world.