Celebrate Disability Pride Month & Helen Keller’s Legacy

June 27 marks the birthday of Helen Keller, a trailblazing advocate for people with disabilities and a symbol of perseverance and possibility.
Born in 1880, Helen Keller lost her sight and hearing at 19 months old. With the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, she broke through isolation to become the first deaf-blind person to earn a college degree. Keller went on to become a world-renowned author, speaker, and advocate for disability rights, women's suffrage, and social justice. Her life reminds us that inclusion, determination, and education can change lives.
Helen Keller’s birthday also serves as a fitting prelude to Disability Pride Month, which takes place throughout July. This month honors the achievements, history, and contributions of people with disabilities. It also celebrates the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990—a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.
The Sue Shaffer Learning Commons and Library invites our community to reflect, learn, and grow through resources that highlight disability rights, accessibility, and the power of advocacy. Whether you’re exploring Helen Keller’s extraordinary life or studying disability studies and social inclusion, we’re here to support your journey.
Explore These Resources:
Gale OneFile: Diversity Studies – Dive into articles and research on disability justice, inclusive education, and accessibility in school with Open Resources.
Kanopy – Watch films that amplify disability stories, such as The Key of G. A documentary show about disability, caregiving and interdependence.
Books & eBooks – Discover powerful voices and stories, including:
Films on Demand – Stream educational Videos like Making a Life: Opportunity, Not Disability.
Academic Search Complete– Explore scholarly work on universal design for learning through history and music, and equitable access to care.
As we celebrate Helen Keller’s legacy and recognize Disability Pride Month, the UCC Library reaffirms its commitment to access, inclusion, and empowerment for all learners. Let’s honor the resilience and contributions of the disability community—and keep working toward a more inclusive future.