Hero Hall of Fame

Let’s learn about a hero of the First Amendment.

Let’s recall what the 1st Amendment says…

“Congress shall make no law …abridging the freedom

of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble…”

What can these pictures tell us about this hero?

Helen Keller was a young child when she became sick. Her sickness made her unable to see and hear. She was blind and deaf.

But that did not stop Helen. She became a writer and worker for rights of other people like herself.

Helen had a great teacher named Anne Sullivan. Miss Sullivan taught Helen sign language.

Sign language uses signals made with your fingers. Each signal stands for a letter of the alphabet.

Knowing sign language, Helen was able to talk to other and she could talk to them. Miss Sullivan also taught Helen about Braille.

Braille is raised dots on a piece of paper. Each set of dots stands for a letter of the alphabet. When Helen learned Braille, she could read books for the first time!

Even though Helen Kellercould not hear anything nor see anything, she learned much. And she taught others, too.

Helen went to school. She was the first blind and deaf person to finish college.

Helen wrote many books and with the help of others, she traveled around the world. She gave many speeches and met with world leaders.

President Kennedy

Helen Keller

In her books and speeches, she asked that handicapped people, like herself, be treated fairly.

She wanted all blind or deaf children to get a good education, too. So, she gave money she earned to build schools for handicapped students.

You can see a statue of Helen Keller in the United States Capital in Washington, D.C. You can also see her picture on the Alabama state quarter.

What words could describe Helen Keller as a hero?

What rights did Helen Keller use to help others like herself?

“Congress shall make no law …abridging the freedom

of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble…”