Africa Giant is highlighting Haben Girma for her remarkable achievements in the field of disability justice and advocacy. As the first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, Haben has become a symbol of hope and inspiration for people with disabilities around the world. Her innovative approach to disability and inclusion has gained her recognition from several notable figures, including former US President Barack Obama and Chancellor Angela Merkel.
In her advocacy work, Haben emphasizes the importance of accessibility as a business strategy. She highlights that disabled people make up the largest historically underrepresented group, with over one billion individuals worldwide. By prioritizing accessibility, organizations can tap into this vast audience and create value for everyone. Haben emphasizes this point in a Financial Times article, stating that People with disabilities drive innovation.
Haben has provided consulting and public speaking to prominent organizations, including Apple, GE, Lenovo, and Microsoft. Her message of inclusion and diversity resonates with audiences from various industries, inspiring positive changes within their communities.
Haben’s memoir, “Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law,” takes readers on a journey through her life, from her parents’ homes in Eritrea and Ethiopia to her adventures around the world. This captivating book showcases Haben’s determination to resist isolation and find the keys to connection.
Through her advocacy work, Haben has shown that disability is not a limitation but an opportunity for innovation and growth. As Haben herself once said, “Disability is an opportunity for innovation, and the chance to showcase skill.”
