Black and white illustration of Helen Keller

The Story of My Life

by Helen Keller

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If you had to choose between losing your vision or your hearing, which would you select? Consider your current interests, future aspirations, ability to communicate, and societal perceptions of individuals with these disabilities. Write an essay explaining your decision. Include a paragraph describing any impact this exercise has had on you.

Pair up with a partner and learn the first five letters of the manual alphabet. Then, put on a blindfold and earplugs, and have your partner guide you to an unfamiliar room. How do you feel navigating this new environment without the ability to see or hear? Once you have explored the room a bit, sit down with your partner and have them spell words in your hand using the letters you have learned (e.g., bed, bad, cab, bead, ace, deed). How many words could you understand? After completing this, switch roles so your partner wears the blindfold and earplugs.

Research Louis Braille to understand why he developed his unique reading system for the blind. What five adjectives would you use to describe him?

In The Story of My Life, Keller writes, "It was the Iliad that made Greece my paradise," and later, "A medallion of Homer hangs on the wall of my study." Read the first chapter of the Iliad. Keep in mind that Homer was blind as you read the passages. Prepare a brief lesson explaining why you think this book was so captivating to Keller. Look for elements, phrases, and features that are particularly surprising coming from a blind poet and try to explain them.

Imagine your family has joined a "student exchange" type of program and has volunteered to host a blind and deaf individual with Keller's communicative abilities for one year. Plan how you will assist this student in learning the subjects you are currently studying. Reflect on the education Keller received, including her travels, experiences at events like the World’s Fair, and interactions with notable people, which all contributed to her learning beyond textbooks. What field trips could you organize in your area? Are there specialized museums or exhibits that would be suitable? Document your lesson plans, incorporating at least one activity for each of your subjects.

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