2018 Fordham Distinguished Lecture on Disability

Speaker: Haben Girma
“Disability and Innovation: The Universal Benefits of Inclusion”
Wednesday, April 11, 2018

The first Deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, Haben Girma advocates for equal opportunities for people with disabilities. President Obama named her a White House Champion of Change, and Forbes recognized her in Forbes 30 Under 30. Haben travels the world consulting and public speaking, teaching clients the benefits of fully accessible products and services. Haben is a talented storyteller who helps people frame difference as an asset. She resisted society’s low expectations, choosing to create her own pioneering story. Haben is also writing a memoir that will be published by Grand Central Publishing in 2019. Learn more about Haben at habengirma.com.

Haben Girma spoke on Wednesday, April 11, 2018, at 5 p.m. The lecture was also broadcasted to Lincoln Center (Lowenstein, room 708). It was followed by a reception.

Background: People with disabilities represent the largest minority group, numbering one billion worldwide. Reaching a group of this scale creates value for everyone. Organizations that prioritize accessibility benefit by gaining access to a much larger user base, improving the experience for both disabled and non-disabled users, and facilitating further innovation. Supplemental Reading Material:

• "People with Disabilities Drive Innovation" Find in the Financial Times
• "Producing Positive Disability Stories: A Brief Guide"

The speaker was introduced by Prof. Crystal and the lecture was moderated by Prof. Sanchez. The lecture was attended by about 300 people at Rose Hill and 30 people at Lincoln Center Fordham. The audience included faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, and guests from the broader New York City Community. View Fordham news coverage of the 2018 lecture.