ANNIE’S PAGE
Shoshanna and Yossi.
Shoshanna Weinstock: The “Annie Sullivan” of Yossi Samuels
By Craig Escudé, MD, FAAFP, FAADM
For more information on Annie Sullivan’s League—or to nominate a colleague for this award — click here.
“No! No! He got it! He understands that I’m signing letters in his palm. His entire world has just opened.” -Shoshanna Weinstock
The story of Helen Keller and her devoted teacher, Annie Sullivan, is one of perseverance, compassion, and the transformative power of education. In a modern echo of this legendary bond, Shoshanna Weinstock has been heralded as the “Annie Sullivan” of Yossi Samuels, a young man whose life was profoundly altered by her unwavering dedication and ingenuity.
Yossi Samuels faced unimaginable challenges from an early age. At 11 months old, a medical mishap left him blind, deaf, and unable to communicate. For years, he existed in a world of isolation, unable to connect with those around him or share his thoughts and feelings. His parents, Kalman and Malki Samuels, dedicated themselves to finding ways to help Yossi break free from his silent, dark world. However, the path forward was fraught with difficulties, and progress seemed elusive—until Shoshanna Weinstock entered their lives.
Shoshanna brought not just expertise, but also an unrelenting belief in Yossi’s potential. Armed with an understanding of alternative communication methods and an empathetic heart, she began the arduous task of unlocking Yossi’s inner world. Shoshanna employed a range of tools, including tactile sign language and Braille, to help Yossi establish a means of self-expression. Her work required extraordinary patience and creativity, but Shoshanna was undeterred by the slow pace of progress. She saw in Yossi not just the boy he was, but the man he could become.
“The relationship fueled their success as Yossi blossomed under Shoshanna’s guidance. Today, Yossi Samuels is a public speaker, advocate, and inspiration to countless individuals, a testament to Shoshanna’s enduring impact.”
The breakthrough moment came when Shoshanna introduced Yossi to his first tactile sign: “table.” With tireless repetition and sensitivity, she guided him toward associating specific hand motions with objects and concepts. This pivotal achievement opened the door to a more expansive form of communication, allowing Yossi to build a vocabulary and express his thoughts. It was the beginning of a remarkable journey that transformed Yossi into a vibrant individual capable of engaging with the world around him.
Much like Annie Sullivan’s groundbreaking work with Helen Keller, Shoshanna’s dedication extended beyond technical teaching. She formed a deep bond with Yossi, rooted in trust and mutual respect. This relationship fueled their success as Yossi blossomed under her guidance. Today, Yossi Samuels is a public speaker, advocate, and inspiration to countless individuals, a testament to Shoshanna’s enduring impact.
Shoshanna’s work with Yossi has not only changed his life but has also served as a beacon of hope for others facing similar challenges. Her innovative approach has inspired educators, caregivers, and families around the world, proving that compassion and persistence can overcome even the most daunting barriers.
As we celebrate Shoshanna Weinstock, we recognize a woman whose dedication mirrors that of Annie Sullivan. Through her work, she has shown us the boundless potential of the human spirit and the profound difference one person can make in another’s life.
With great pleasure, we welcome Shoshanna Weinstock as the newest inductee into the Annie Sullivan League.
About the Author:
Dr. Craig Escudé is a board-certified Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and President of IntellectAbility. He has more than 20 years of clinical experience providing medical care for people with IDD and complex medical and mental health conditions. He is the author of “Clinical Pearls in IDD Healthcare” and developer of the “Curriculum in IDD Healthcare,” an eLearning course used to train clinicians on the fundamentals of healthcare for people with IDD.