Anne was strict, and Helen was an obstinate student, and could be quite a nuisance. Fortunately Anne had a lot of energy and would not oblige Helen’s tantrums. In just a few days, she taught Helen how to spell words with her hands. The trouble was, Helen didn’t understand what the words meant-until one occasion at the water pump. Anne had an idea. Anne had Helen hold one hand under the water. Then she spelled “W-A-T-E-R” into Helen’s other hand. Helen understood that the word represented an object! Helen’s brain flew; that day, she learned 30 words.
From then on, Helen’s mind raced ahead. Helen worked hard to nourish her mind. She started to obsess about learning. Seeking further mental nutrition, she learned to read French, German, Greek, and Latin in Braille! Her disabilities notwithstanding, she entered Radcliff College, the women’s branch of Harvard
University. She wrote a novel based on her life which was translated into 50 languages. Helen would occupy her time by giving speeches, and raising money for the American Foundation for the Blind. From 1946 and 1957, she went around the world, speaking about the experiences and rights of people who are blind, visiting 39 countries! She wanted people to notice and obligate them to help her achieve her goal. She wanted to make any prejudice and discrimination (which can obstruct the goals of disabled people) become obsolete. Helen also inspired many works of art, including two Oscar-winning movies, and received dozens of awards, such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor that an American civilian can receive. She died in her sleep in 1968. Helen became an exceptional leader, who taught the world to respect people who are blind and deaf.