Worldwide Business with kathy ireland®
March 12, 2021
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For Deaf-Blind Awareness Month, Safe’N’Clear is featuring Haben Girma.
Life is full of unexpected adventures, and Haben Girma, a Deafblind woman, has turned her unique journey into a powerful force for inclusion, accessibility, and justice. From a young age, Haben was introduced to Braille by caring teachers who recognized the importance of literacy in building independence. Braille became her connection to the world, through books, accessible websites, and apps compatible with Braille displays, she found a way to communicate, learn, and connect globally.
What began as a childhood introduction to accessibility eventually led Haben to become a bestselling author. Her writing has inspired countless individuals to become advocates for accessibility, and the messages she receives from readers continue to uplift and empower her.
While many recognize her as the first Deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School, fewer know about her undergraduate experience at Lewis & Clark College, where she majored in Sociology and Anthropology. With the support of a dedicated disability services office that provided Braille textbooks, accessible technology, and key accommodations, she successfully completed her degree and developed her skills as a problem solver and advocate.
After Harvard, there were no Deafblind attorneys Haben could look to as mentors. Yet she connected with Deaf attorneys and blind attorneys who offered advice and encouragement. That journey through uncertainty helped her strengthen her advocacy skills, reinforcing her lifelong mission: to expand opportunities for disabled people and push for systemic change.
One of the unforeseen challenges she faced was the widespread use of face masks during the pandemic. Although she does not rely on lipreading or facial expressions due to blindness, she recognized how this change impacted others in the Deafblind community. The Communicator™ masks, which provide visual access to the mouth, are a crucial solution for many who need to see facial cues to communicate effectively.
When asked what the greatest blessing of being Deafblind is, Haben points to the sense of community. Being part of a global network of Deafblind individuals and allies has been a source of strength, pride, and inspiration.
Problem-solving is second nature for Haben. One often overlooked barrier involves video captions. While captions benefit many, they can be inaccessible for those who are blind or Deafblind. Her solution? Advocating for descriptive transcripts, which offer a readable version of the video’s content. This inclusive practice allows more people to access information and is a simple, powerful way to improve media accessibility.
Outside of her website and social media presence, www.habengirma.com Haben’s impact is felt in everyday spaces. Through her speaking engagements, advocacy, and writing, she continues to inspire change in classrooms, boardrooms, and communities around the world.
For others seeking connection, Haben recommends attending accessibility and disability advocacy events, both virtual and in-person. These gatherings have introduced her to incredible people and strengthened her ties to a wider community of activists and allies.
As for her legacy, Haben hopes to create a world where accessibility is the norm, not the exception. Haben encourages everyone to take part in removing barriers because building an inclusive world is a shared responsibility. Safe’N’Clear is honored to recognize Haben Girma in its Deaf Leader Series; and we look forward to seeing where Haben’s journey takes her and the Deafblind community.
