Helen Keller was the first deaf-blind person to ever attain a bachelor’s degree

Helen Keller's formal schooling began when she was accepted into the Perkins Institute for the Blind in 1888. She later attended a variety of other institutions, including the Horace Mann School for the Deaf, before enrolling in Radcliffe College, Harvard University, in 1900. Keller went on to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1904 thanks to financial support from Standard Oil mogul Henry H. Rogers and his wife.

Helen's parents were determined to locate a tutor for her despite the fact that she was essentially unable to communicate. They thought she was capable of learning. Their dreams were realized when they eventually encountered Anne Sullivan. Anne obtained her degree from Boston's Perkin's Institute for the Deaf and Blind (where Laura Bridgman–the first Helen Keller–was educated). Despite being partially blind herself, Anne was able to master the manual alphabet while attending the Institute.

Helen was taught the manual alphabet by Anne Sullivan by having her press the handshapes into her palm. Helen quickly mastered the use of a special typewriter and the Braille language. Helen subsequently picked up on Anne's vocalizations by feeling her throat and mimicking the movements. In 1904, Helen created history. She was the first person who was both deaf and blind to earn a college degree. She earned an honors degree from Radcliffe College.