Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law (Review)

★★★★★

See Review on Amazon

A Necessary Story Showcasing the Strengths of a Black, Blind Immigrant Woman

There just aren't enough long-form narratives highlighting the plights of persons with disabilities, let alone women of color with a disability. 

As a visually impaired daughter of African immigrants myself, I can relate to a good lot of Haben's story: everything from parental cultural fears to the barriers brought forth by non-malicious close-mindedness. 

What I like best about Haben's stroy is that, while she does possess visual and hearing impairments, Haben is a woman of agency and celebrates that fact. And in my experience, most persons with disabilities, if given the proper agency, can lead a fulfilling and successful life.

But this would require some stigma busting. Haben very gently yet eloquently reminds the reader throughout the book the hazard of ablest assumptions: these immediate associations of disabled person with charity case. "...resist these ablest assumptions. After identifying and removing them, people can begin to lay the groundwork for a positive philosophy, based on the idea that blindness is nothing more than a lack of sight."

I love that Haben is stepping forward to showcase herself as a strong, passionate, ambitious woman of color who's traveled the world and conquered Harvard Law.  Oh...and she happens to be hearing and visually impaired.

Five Stars.