"Disability is not something we overcome. It's a part of human diversity."-Haben Girma
A few days ago I attended a special event. This event was a talk with Haben Girma, the first deaf-blind woman to graduate at Harvard University. My college was lucky enough to be able to have her come, since she is a busy advocate and leader.
Throughout her talk, I was surprised at how positive, sarcastic and cheerful she was about sharing her story. Even though she was denied many services and opportunities as a child with disabilities, she made her story sound uplifting and inspiring. The story that I was most surprised to hear about was about how she can salsa dance without seeing or hearing music or a partner's cues. She is so determined and will not let anyone stop her from doing anything. She will even argue about the ADA act (Americans with Disabilities Act).
After the talk, there was a meet n greet/book signing. I stood in line for over an hour to get my book signed by her, even though I was tired and my glucose was high (above 200). I loved how she made each person's book signing a personal experience to get know her. She had a braille keyboard and whomever was getting their book singed had to use a wireless keyboard. (pictured below) I am not sure how to explain this creation because in her talk she explained to us how she "invented" this keyboard system. I started out by typing: Hi. My name is Katherine. I am a student here. I have hearing aids and use Disability support services. (DSS). You inspire me. Then, her assistant who was taking photographs asked me if I wanted a picture, and told me that I needed to type out how to spell name so that Haben could sign my book. I typed: K A T H E R I N E. Then I made the mistake of getting out of my seat because I thought that we were posing for the picture. I forgot that Haben was deaf and blind. I had to type: Could I please get a picture?, so that Haben knew which way to face.
People like her inspire me to share and write about my story. I want to share my story and be an advocate for others who have T1D, mitochondrial disease and/or have lost a sibling. I know that you do not get paid for doing this, but I aspire to do what makes me happy. Haben is able to show society that her disability is not something to be ashamed, sad, or scared about. She makes everything that seems impossible to a deaf-blind person, possible.
I am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet her, talk with her, and listen to her story.
You will have to buy her book or audio book if you want to read her full story.
Photo Description: Haben and I are posing for a picture. Haben is sitting on the left sidewhile touching her braille keyboard. I am holding Haben's book and sitting on the right side. I look exhausted, this is why I am not showing my teeth when I smile. LOL.
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