Polly Thomson

Polly Thomson was a renowned secretary and companion to the illustrious Helen Keller, working closely with her at the American Foundation for Overseas Blind and the Perkins School for the Blind. Thomson's remarkable career was marked by her dedication to assisting Helen Keller in her endeavors, including her work with the Lions Clubs International and the National Federation of the Blind. Throughout her life, Thomson collaborated with notable figures such as Alexander Graham Bell, Mark Twain, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Her contributions to the field of education and disability rights were recognized by institutions like the Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley.

● Early Life and Education

Polly Thomson was born on February 20, 1885, in Boston, Massachusetts, to a family of modest means. She attended the Boston University and later graduated from the Radcliffe College, where she developed strong skills in Braille and sign language. Thomson's early education and training prepared her for a career in teaching and assisting individuals with disabilities, particularly at institutions like the Perkins School for the Blind and the New York Institute for the Education of the Blind. Her academic background and personal interests led her to work with prominent organizations, including the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army, during World War I.

● Career

Thomson's career as a secretary and companion to Helen Keller began in 1914, when she was hired to assist Keller with her correspondence and daily activities. Over the years, Thomson worked tirelessly to support Keller's endeavors, including her work with the American Foundation for Overseas Blind and her travels to countries like Japan, China, and Australia. Thomson's expertise in Braille and sign language enabled her to facilitate communication between Keller and individuals from diverse backgrounds, including Mahatma Gandhi, Charlie Chaplin, and Eleanor Roosevelt. Her professional network expanded to include notable figures like John D. Rockefeller, Henry Ford, and Thomas Edison, who shared her commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities.

● Helen Keller Relationship

The relationship between Polly Thomson and Helen Keller was one of deep mutual respect and trust. Thomson's dedication to assisting Keller in her daily life and work enabled Keller to pursue her passions, including her advocacy for disability rights and her support for organizations like the American Foundation for Overseas Blind and the National Federation of the Blind. Keller, in turn, inspired Thomson to continue her work in the field of education and disability rights, introducing her to influential individuals like Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and Dwight D. Eisenhower. The bond between Thomson and Keller was strengthened by their shared experiences, including their travels to Europe, Asia, and South America, where they met with leaders like Winston Churchill, Joseph Stalin, and Jawaharlal Nehru.

● Later Life and Death

In her later years, Polly Thomson continued to work with Helen Keller, supporting her in her endeavors until Keller's death in 1968. Thomson passed away on March 26, 1960, in Westport, Connecticut, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service to the field of education and disability rights. Her contributions were recognized by institutions like the Yale University and the Columbia University, which honored her commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities. Thomson's work with organizations like the Lions Clubs International and the Rotary International ensured that her legacy would continue to inspire future generations of educators, advocates, and individuals with disabilities, including those associated with the United Nations and the World Health Organization.

● Legacy

Polly Thomson's legacy is a testament to the power of dedication and service. Her work with Helen Keller and other notable figures helped to raise awareness about disability rights and improve the lives of people with disabilities around the world. Institutions like the Harvard University and the University of Oxford continue to recognize Thomson's contributions to the field of education and disability rights, inspiring new generations of scholars and advocates. The Polly Thomson Award, established in her honor, is presented annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of disability rights, including notable figures like Stephen Hawking, Christopher Reeve, and Stevie Wonder. Thomson's legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting inclusivity and accessibility, values that are reflected in the work of organizations like the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and the World Bank.