Haben Girma is an incredible advocate, lawyer, and pioneer for disability rights. Born in 1988 in California, she became the first deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School. Her journey has been marked by breaking barriers and advocating for inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Despite being born deaf and blind, Haben embraced the challenges she faced and overcame them through determination and innovation. She uses a combination of Braille, assistive technology, and tactile communication to navigate the world around her. Her remarkable achievements extend beyond academic success.
Haben has been a vocal advocate for disability rights, focusing on promoting equal access to education and employment for individuals with disabilities. Her work has led her to become a sought-after speaker, sharing her experiences and insights on inclusion and diversity.
Haben has received numerous awards and recognitions for her advocacy work, including being named one of Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2016 and receiving the Helen Keller Achievement Award for her dedication to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Through her speeches, writings, and activism, Haben Girma continues to inspire and drive change, urging society to embrace inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to society.
Haben Girma
Let’s take a look at these 12 interesting facts about Haben Girma to know more about her.
- Trailblazer for Accessibility: Haben Girma is the first deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School, breaking barriers for individuals with disabilities.
- Deafblind: She was born in California in 1988 and is both deaf and blind, utilizing innovative methods for communication and navigation. She losing her vision and hearing due to an unknown progressive condition that began in her early childhood.
- Eritrean Heritage: Haben’s family hails from Eritrea, and her name, “Haben,” means pride in Eritrean.
- Advocacy Work: She is a fierce advocate for disability rights, championing accessibility in education, technology, and employment for individuals with disabilities.
- Innovative Communication: Girma uses a combination of Braille, assistive technology, and tactile communication methods to navigate and communicate effectively.
- Global Speaker: Haben is a sought-after public speaker, delivering speeches worldwide on accessibility, inclusion, and diversity.
- Honors and Recognition: She has received multiple accolades for her advocacy work, including being recognized in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2016.
- Author: Girma authored the memoir “Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law,” sharing her journey and insights.
- Accessibility in Technology: She collaborates with tech companies to promote inclusive design and accessible technology for individuals with disabilities.
- Educational Background: Before Harvard Law School, she attended Lewis & Clark College, and graduated from Lewis & Clark with magna cum laude in 2010.
- Impactful TED Talks: Haben’s TED Talks have reached millions, spreading awareness and advocating for a more inclusive world.
- Helen Keller Achievement Award: She was honored with the Helen Keller Achievement Award for her dedication to improving the lives of people with disabilities.
Haben Girma stands as an embodiment of resilience, breaking down barriers and paving the way for inclusivity in a world often marked by limitations. Her journey from overcoming the challenges of being deafblind to becoming a Harvard Law School graduate has been nothing short of inspirational. Beyond her remarkable achievements, Haben’s unwavering commitment to advocating for accessibility, equality, and empowerment for individuals with disabilities has left an indelible mark on society.
