Disability Rights and Social Reform: Helen Keller Signed 1964 Letter Advocating Support for the American Foundation for the Blind

Helen Keller

Manuscript & Autographs

Keller, Helen. Typed letter advocating support for the American Foundation for the Blind written by the American author and activist whose life and public work transformed public understanding of disability and education for the blind and deaf. Helen Keller became internationally known after overcoming the combined disabilities of blindness and deafness with the assistance of teacher Anne Sullivan, later emerging as a prominent public speaker and reform advocate. For decades Keller worked with the American Foundation for the Blind to promote education, employment opportunities, and social support for visually impaired individuals. Written in 1964, the letter reflects her continued commitment to fundraising and advocacy after more than four decades of work on behalf of the organization.

Keller, Helen. Typed Letter Signed. New York, 1964. Two pages on Keller’s personal stationery bearing her 16th Street New York address, accompanied by the original mailing envelope. The letter solicits financial support for the American Foundation for the Blind and reflects on the length of Keller’s advocacy efforts, noting that she had been engaged in fundraising work for forty one years. Keller opens the letter with a reflection on charitable action, writing: “It has been said truly that good deeds are angels. There is nothing, I am sure, more precious than the satisfaction of knowing, as you move through life’s uncertainties, that you have sent such angels into the future to cheer sad lives or strengthen the brave who refuse to let fate overcome them.” She continues by explaining her long commitment to the organization: “This is why during forty one years I have striven to provide the American Foundation for the Blind with an adequate endowment… Unfortunately I am still very far from my goal.” The letter is signed by Keller in blue ink.

Keller’s advocacy for the blind extended across much of the twentieth century and helped transform public awareness of disability, education, and social inclusion. Through her work with the American Foundation for the Blind she promoted educational access, employment opportunities, and social services for people with visual impairments in the United States and internationally. The year this letter was written, Keller received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States, recognizing her lifelong contributions to humanitarian causes and disability rights. Light handling wear with two original mailing folds; otherwise clean and well preserved. Overall very good condition.

Item #16290

Price: $880.00