Haben Girma- Book Review

The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law is a straightforward and insightful memoir that is encapsulated by the phrase; against all odds.

Haben Girma lost her vision and hearing as a result of an unknown progressive condition beginning in early childhood. She was born into a world that systematically isolates those with disabilities in favor of those whose five senses work perfectly.

You are effectively steeped in her story because she tells it in the present tense, allowing you to live her memories as though they are currently happening. From a fear-gripping scene in which at just 7 years of age, she is left alone unable to make sense of her environment; to anxious and exciting moments right before she gives a speech at the white house celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In between, she advocates ceaselessly with family, at school with her colleagues and the administration, in court, and even at the aforementioned disabilities act commemoration. Pushing for freedom and independence through equal access is definitely a mountainous task but not one without worthwhile views. The summit is inclusion.

Despite disabling circumstances, Haben has achieved a lot both at a personal and societal level. You cheer her on as she takes on challenges not only having to break disability barriers but also confront gender biases. You wonder at her courage to exert herself athletically. You get inspired by the grace with which she handles frustrations and setbacks. You appreciate her efforts towards networking and making friends and celebrate as she expertly wins legal battles.

The book triggers reflection on our society. In what ways do we consciously and subconsciously exclude those with disabilities? What cost do the excluded and the community consequently suffer? Why have we allowed technology to continue to connect while severing those with disabilities? In restricting our roles to guiding the disabled are we missing a huge opportunity to be guided by them towards a more inclusive and therefore more successful world?

Read this book to; challenge preconceptions around disabilities, appreciate the struggles of persons with disabilities, explore how to be part of the equal access campaign, and if for nothing else, appreciate the senses taken for granted.

Given the prevalence and fluid nature of exclusion, anyone can be made to feel like an outsider. Therefore, Haben’s story is easily all of our stories at one point or another and a relevant reference towards a more just world.

Reading this book was a very personal experience for me. As a visually impaired person, one of my most frustrating experiences has been seeking assistive technology while pursuing higher education, in vain.

The book is a reminder that unequal access is unjust. It is a definite worthwhile read.