Laura Bridgman was an American woman born in 1829 who became the first deaf-blind person to receive a formal education. After losing her sight and hearing due to an illness at a young age, she was taught by Samuel Gridley Howe at the Perkins School for the Blind. Bridgman learned to communicate using tactile sign language and became a remarkable example of what individuals with disabilities could achieve. Bridgman's education and accomplishments inspired many, including Helen Keller, who later became a prominent advocate for people with disabilities. Laura Bridgman’s life demonstrated the importance of education and support for those with sensory impairments, paving the way for future advancements in special education.