Biography: Anne Sullivan (1866-1936) Anne Mansfield Sullivan's background was one of extreme poverty and misery. When she was five years old she lost her sight, and was put into a poorhouse when her family broke up. Eventually she attended the Perkins School for the Blind in Boston. She was nicknamed "Spitfire" because she behaved badly and was very rude; however the school's director realized that she could become a talented pupil. Several years later, after two operations, she regained her sight and graduated with honours. Life with Helen She came to work with Helen when she was 20 years old and