Before Helen Keller was two years old, she lost her sight and her hearing. she lived in a world of confusion until the arrival of Anne Mansfield Sullivan, the woman who was to change Hele's life. On March 3, 1887. Miss Sullivan arrived at the Keller home. It was three months before Helen's seventh birthday. Miss Sullivan worked closely with her new student. At times the teacher becae frustrated. Eventually, Miss Sullivan's efforts were rewarded. The deaf and blind Helen Keller learned to communicate verbally.