International accessibility leader Haben Girma talks about innovation, tech and laws in disability.Being the first deaf-blind graduate from Harvard Law School, she believes that disability is an asset.

CHENNAI: A  lot of people understand disability differently and it’s influenced by culture. Some value the difference and some don’t like the differences. We should teach people that disability is an asset,” stated Haben Girma, internationally acclaimed accessibility leader, who was in the city for a talk on Equal Access — for an inclusive and progressive society. Organised by Connect Special and Vidya Sagar, the talk shed light on inclusion in innovation, technology, law and human rights.

The first deaf-blind person to graduate from Harvard Law School, Haben has earned the recognition as a white house ‘Champion of Change’. 
Elucidating that inclusion comes from the choice of everyone around people with disabilities (PwDs), Haben narrated an incident. “While meeting President Barack Obama on disability advocacy, instead of going ahead and talking, which is his primary medium of communication, he decided to type on a keyboard which is connected to my digital Braille. He made the choice of typing and making me inclusive,” said Haben who champions equal access to information for PwDs.
Talking about innovation and tech-friendly devices for PWDs and vice-versa, she said, “Innovation happens through exploration, and disability has driven so many innovations. People should understand that disability is an asset…its untapped talent.”
Having screen readers that are compatible with phones, to make access to information easier, planning accessibility at every stage, engaging with the disabled without segregation are some of the main accessibility features that can enable inclusivity, opines Haben. “It’s important to make sure that technology is incorporated with accessibility. But, technology is just a tool and the main solution starts with the mindset of people.”

So, how to change the mindset of a conditioned society? “Hellen Keller couldn’t go to Harvard as it was only for men earlier. It wasn’t because of her gender or disability...it was because Harvard chose to exclude a set of people. It was Harvard’s choice. But Harvard has changed, and with time,  more disability rights activists, media and advocates portraying positive stories of disability...the mindset will change,” she said.

Source:http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2016/nov/27/disability-will-be-loved--the-change-will-come-1543277--1.html