“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”- Helen Keller

Inspirational quotes often come from those who break down barriers and paved the way for others. These quotes can inspire an entire team or an individual, but their historical contexts are always important to remember.

At 19 month old Helen Keller contracted an illness that left her both deaf and blind. However, Helen went on to became an author, political activist, and lecturer, and she was the first deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Helen continues to be an inspiration today with her love of life and quest for knowledge. Her teacher, Anne Sullivan, started teaching Helen when she was seven years old by communicating with her hands.

Discovering The Power of Communication

Sullivan followed Helen to college and continued to be a guide throughout her life. Helen eventually learned to speak and could listen to others by reading their lips with her hands. She also became proficient in Braille and reading sign language by using her hands and sense of touch.

Helen truly knew what it was like to work together as a team. She accomplished so many things in her life that had never been done before by a deafblind person, but she could not have done it alone. Helen’s many teachers and followers allowed her to have a voice and contribute her thoughts to society. Sometimes teamwork means saving someone’s life, and for Helen Keller it did.

Has anyone ever helped you this way? How have you helped someone with something they could not do themselves?

Tell us about a time when you helped a colleague with something that they could not achieve.