Avraham Rabby’s Braille Globe

United Kingdom mid-20th century

Avraham (“Rami”) Rabby was a disability rights advocate and a Foreign Service Officer who served from 1990 to 2017. He was completely blind, having lost his sight at age eight due to detached retinas. Rabby fought the Department of State for several years over his ability to join the U.S. Foreign Service. He finally succeeded in 1990, but the road to that victory was difficult. Along the way, he used his skills as a disability rights advocate to make his case. This braille globe belonged to Rabby and dates to his days as a student in the U.K. In a 2007 interview with the New York Times, underscoring the core argument he made during his fight, he stated “A blind person sees the world differently from a sighted person. Our impressions are no less valid."

  • Source/Credit: Gift of the Rabby Family
  • Catalog Number: 2022.0007.01
  • Created: mid-20th century
  • Acquired: 2022

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MLA Format

Avraham Rabby's Braille Globe. mid-20th century. National Museum of American Diplomacy, https://diplomacy.state.gov/items/avraham-rabbys-braille-globe

Chicago Format

Avraham Rabby's Braille Globe, mid-20th century, National Museum of American Diplomacy, Washington, DC, https://diplomacy.state.gov/items/avraham-rabbys-braille-globe

APA Format

(mid-20th century). Avraham Rabby's Braille Globe [Object]. National Museum of American Diplomacy, Washington, D.C., United States. https://diplomacy.state.gov/items/avraham-rabbys-braille-globe

a graphic with Rabby typing on a braille machine, a braille globe, and a book that says take charge, with braille in the background that says world braille day

LESSON PLAN

Seeing the World Differently

This lesson plan explores Avraham Rabby’s advocacy for blind U.S. Foreign Service Officers, highlighting his efforts in promoting equal access for all, regardless of their disability.

Download the Lesson Plan