Helen Keller was born on June 27, 1880. Helen was able to speak at six months, and walked when she was one. However, when Helen was nineteen months old, she became terribly sick from acute congestion of the stomach and brain. The illness had left her blind and deaf, making communication almost impossible. As a result, her early childhood was carefree one; she was able to do anything she desired. She lacked the power to understand someone's feelings. Her parents hired a guide to educate Helen Keller. Her guide, Anne Sullivan, helped Helen overcome many obstacles duirng her lifetime. As a result of her perserverance, Helen was able to change treatment give to disabled people.