A bronze statue of Helen Keller was unveiled Wednesday at the US
Capitol. While politicians praised Keller’s work campaigning for
people with disabilities, they ignored the radical political
involvement that plays another key part of her life story.
Keller identified as a pacifist, socialist and member of the
Industrial Workers of the World. We speak with Keller biographer
Kim Nielsen. [includes rush transcript] This is a rush
transcript. Copy may not be in its final form. JUAN GONZALEZ: A
bronze statue of Helen Keller was unveiled Wednesday at the US
Capitol. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said, quote, "Helen Keller
ignited a century marked by progress for people with
disabilities." Keller was born in 1880 in Alabama. She lost her
sight and hearing before her second birthday. But with the help
of her teacher, Annie Sullivan, Keller learned to communicate.
During her lifetime she became a prolific author and a world-
renowned advocate for people with disabilities. On Wednesday,
politicians praised Keller for campa