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HELEN KELLER’S SPEECH

Helen Keller’s Speech

Born in Tuscumbia, Alabama, USA, in 1880, Helen Keller developed a
fever at 18 months of age that left her blind and deaf.
With the help of an exceptional teacher, Anne Mansfield Sullivan of
the Perkins School for the Blind, Helen Keller learned sign language
and braille. A few years later, she learned to speak. As an adult she
became a tireless advocate for people with disabilities. And in 1925,
she attended the Lions Clubs International Convention and challenged
Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness."
The Lions accepted her challenge and our work ever since has included
sight programs aimed at preventable blindness.

Helen Keller Day:
In 1971, the Board of Directors of Lions Clubs International declared
that June 1 would be remembered as Helen Keller Day. Lions around
the world implement sight-related service projects on Helen Keller Day.

1925 International Convention Cedar Point, Ohio USA June
30, 1925

Dear Lions and Ladies:
I suppose you have heard the legend that represents opportunity as a
capricious lady, who knocks at every door but once, and if the door isn't
opened quickly, she passes on, never to return. And that is as it should
be. Lovely, desirable ladies won't wait. You have to go out and grab 'em.

I am your opportunity. I am knocking at your door. I want to be adopted.
The legend doesn't say what you are to do when several beautiful
opportunities present themselves at the same door. I guess you have to
choose the one you love best. I hope you will adopt me. I am the youngest
here, and what I offer you is full of splendid opportunities for service.
The American Foundation for the Blind is only four years old. It grew
out of the imperative needs of the blind, and was called into existence
by the sightless themselves.

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