Meet Haben Girma: The First Deafblind Harvard Graduate
EVENT CANCELLED
In response to instructions by the Australian Federal Government due to COVID-19, UNSW Centre for Ideas will be cancelling all live events until further notice. This event has been cancelled and, at this stage, we cannot confirm that it can be rescheduled. All event registrants will be notified via email.
Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of our community and we would like to do our part to reduce the risk of further spreading the virus.
If you are practising social distancing, we encourage you to take this time to listen to the many podcasts from past events. Click here for more information on UNSW Sydney’s response to COVID-19.
Haben Girma would prefer not to be called inspiring. But, as the first Deafblind woman to make Harvard history and living in defiance of great social and physical barriers, it is a term often used to describe her achievements.
Girma developed a powerful path to success despite facing many social and physical barriers. Overcoming all with an insatiable appetite for social justice as well as a wicked sense of humour, she’s become a leading advocate for people living with disabilities. Girma has been named one of the Forbes 30 Under 30 and was awarded the White House Champion of Change, presented by former President of the United States, Barack Obama.
In her memoir, Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law, Girma shares how her parents’ harrowing stories of refuge from Eritrea during its 30-year war with Ethiopia inspired her to embark on a quest for knowledge; traveling the world in search of the secret to belonging.
Girma in conversation with ABC’s Nas Campanella, retells some of these adventures and explains how they led her from feelings of isolation to conquering Harvard Law.
Haben’s story is a testament to one woman’s determination to show the world the benefits of choosing inclusion.
This event is presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas in partnership with the UNSW Disability Innovation Institute.
Click here to view event description with an accessible PDF »
How to Arrive / Access Info
The Roundhouse is located at UNSW Sydney's Kensington Campus, E6 on this map (PDF). You can be dropped off close to the Roundhouse north entrance (D5 on map). Vehicles need to arrive via High Street, Gate 2, follow the road to Third Avenue and turn onto 1st Ave West. The closest accessible parking is available in the Western Campus Car Park on Anzac Parade (G2 on map).
Hearing Loop / Assisted Listening
A hearing loop is accessible in the venue. Please note this in your booking process if you would like to utilise the hearing loop. Please turn your hearing aid to T for reception when you arrive.
Auslan / Confirmed
This talk will be Auslan interpreted. Please select an Auslan interpreted ticket when you book your tickets. Front of house staff can assist in identifying interpreted seats on arrival at the venue.
Open Captions / Live Remote Captioning Service
This talk will be open captioned. Open captions will be visible on a screen in the venue. Please note in your booking process if you would like to utilise the open captioning.
Closed Captions / Live Remote Captioning Service
Closed captions will also be available on your mobile device. This service can be accessed by entering the specific URL and code on the evening. Please see staff for more information.
Contact
To discuss your access requirements and to book selected access services, please call the Centre for Ideas on 02 9385 9844 or email centreforideas@unsw.edu.au.
The Centre for Ideas is happy to receive phone calls via the National Relay Service. TTY users, phone 133 677, then ask for 02 9385 9844. Speak and Listen users, phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 02 9385 9844. Internet relay users, visit relayservice.gov.au, then ask for 02 9385 9844.
