New Delhi, May 7 -- Helen Keller, born in Tuscumbia, Alabama, in 1880, lost both her sight and hearing after a childhood illness, but went on to become one of the world's most recognised authors, speakers, and disability-rights advocates. With the help of her teacher Anne Sullivan, Keller learned to communicate, later studied at Radcliffe College, and became the first deafblind person in the United States to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. She wrote books, delivered lectures, campaigned for people with disabilities, and also supported causes including women's suffrage, labour rights, civil liberties, and world peace.

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope."- Helen Keller

The American Foundatio...