Visually impaired herself, Alexander shared her personal story with students about losing her sight at age twenty-six and how that changed the course of her life. A third grade teacher in Southern California at the time of her diagnosis, Alexander switched tracks and began learning braille and new life skills at a training program in Pittsburgh to adapt to her blindness. She moved on to teach at the Greater Pittsburgh Guild for the Blind, before embarking on her writing career with the publication of her first book, Mom Can’t See Me.

Students sat cross-legged in a circle around Alexander and her service dog, Dave the German Shepherd, for the talk and were fascinated by her knowledge on Laura Bridgman and her experiences as a blind woman. Alexander prompted students to reflect on their recent readings with questions about Laura Bridgman and Helen Keller, and asked them to recall memorable moments from the books. From comments on the people who helped Bridgman and Keller, to their communication techniques, to the hardships each faced, students were eager to share their knowledge with Alexander and hear her perspective on deaf-blindness.

Speaking from personal experience, Alexander shared how her blindness didn’t cause her to retreat and shy away from a challenge, but rather face it head on. She shared how her mother used to say, “I think I can, I think I can,” and how she used those words to empower her to live an ordinary life, despite her disabilities.

Concluding the talk, Alexander showed students a few of the tools she depends on, like a special wrist watch, walking cane, wearable amplification devices, and the girls’ favorite―her seeing-eye dog, Dave. Alexander told students how recent innovations in technology help her cross the street more confidently, draft and revise her own writing, and hear better when she teaches writing classes at Chatham University.

Alexander enriched students’ studies on Laura Bridgman and Helen Keller and showed them first hand the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Third Grade Teachers, Lisa Citron and Jen Lakin, explained, “One message students learned from the unit and from Sally was that 'Obstacles are to be overcome.' Sally was a great bridge for the girls — a modern day woman working as an author and teacher, raising her children, and living her life as a blind and partially deaf person. Through her visit, the girls developed a new understanding of the gifts their senses give them everyday. They now understand Helen Keller's words, 'If I, deaf, blind, find life rich interesting, how much more can you gain by the use of your five senses.'"

To wrap up their studies on Helen Keller and Laura Bridgman, grade 3 will learn how to do the Pledge of Allegiance in sign language and will sign the pledge for students at a Lower School assembly. Alexander’s visit paired with students’ studies on Helen Keller and Laura Bridgman showed the girls how important it is to respect and accept people who look different from you. At Ellis, students are taught to embrace diversity, display empathy, and honor differences when they’re in class, on the playground, and at home.

To learn more about diversity and inclusion at The Ellis School, click here.