President Coolidge knew something about people with disabilities. He was the Honorary President of the American Foundation of the Blind. He had met his wife, Grace, while she was working at the Clarke School for the Deaf.

When Keller and Coolidge met, Keller read the President's lips by placing her hand on his mouth. She complimented him on letters he had written for the Foundation, "Your words on behalf of the blind are bright jewels in my dark casket." Then she said "They say you are cold, but you are not. You are a dear President." Keller made President Coolidge smile. He responded "You have a wonderful personality and I'm glad to meet you."