Haben Girma

Haben Girma is a deafblind disability rights advocate who graduated from Harvard Law School and now works to advance accessibility and inclusion. After making history as the first deafblind graduate of Harvard Law School in 2013, Haben Girma went on to become a leading disability rights advocate, driving accessibility and inclusion globally. Prior to her landmark graduation from Harvard Law, Girma earned her magna cum laude degree from Lewis & Clark College in 2010. Following her legal studies, she joined Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) in Berkeley, California, first as a Skadden Fellow from 2013 to 2015, and subsequently as a staff attorney from 2015 to 2016.

Her advocacy extends to challenging accessibility barriers in diverse settings, from influencing policy changes such as the Texas State Board of Education’s decision to re-include Helen Keller in its curriculum, to advocating for captions in TEDx talks. Girma’s tireless dedication has garnered her numerous prestigious accolades, solidifying her status as a formidable voice in the disability rights movement. She was recognized as a Champion of Change by the Obama administration and featured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30, underscoring her significant impact on society and technology. Haben Girma continues to champion inclusive design and equal opportunities, influencing policy and public perception through her powerful speaking engagements and ongoing advocacy work.