Spotlight of the Week: Haben Girma – Champion of Disability Justice
This week, we shine the spotlight on Haben Girma, a trailblazing advocate for disability rights and the first Deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School. Her extraordinary journey of resilience, determination, and advocacy has inspired countless people, including children, around the world.
Overcoming Barriers and Advocating for Inclusion
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Haben was born with both hearing and vision loss. But rather than seeing her disabilities as obstacles, she viewed them as opportunities for innovation. Early in her academic journey, she made a powerful impact by advocating for accessible cafeteria menus at her college, a change that later benefited not only her but also other students, including those who were blind. This achievement exemplified her commitment to breaking down barriers and creating lasting change for future generations.
Global Advocate for Disability Justice
After graduating from Harvard Law School, Haben embarked on a career dedicated to dismantling ableism and ensuring that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. She became a human rights lawyer and was named a White House Champion of Change by President Obama. She also received numerous accolades, including the Helen Keller Achievement Award and a place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
Haben’s work extends far beyond the courtroom. She travels the world, speaking at major organizations like Google, Apple, and Disney, igniting change through her advocacy for accessibility and inclusion. Her engaging and thought-provoking keynotes empower children and adults alike, demonstrating that disability should never limit a person’s potential.
Empowering Children and Future Generations
Haben’s advocacy work has a direct and transformative impact on children, particularly those with disabilities. By promoting the importance of accessible technologies and inclusive environments, she is paving the way for young people with disabilities to have a brighter and more equitable future. Her life story is a powerful reminder that inclusion is not a favor, but a fundamental human right.
Through her memoir, Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law, she shares her experiences traveling the world, overcoming obstacles, and advocating for change. The book takes readers on an adventure through her family’s roots in Eritrea and Ethiopia, her time in Vermont fighting for the rights of blind readers, and her unforgettable encounters with President Obama and President Biden at the White House.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Haben Girma’s story serves as an inspiration to children with disabilities, encouraging them to dream big and advocate for themselves. Her journey reminds us that by breaking down barriers today, we create a world where every child can thrive without limits tomorrow.
