Judy Heumann | Disability Rights Advocate

Judith “Judy” Heumann— widely regarded as “the mother” of the disability rights movement— passed away in Washington, D.C. on March 4, 2023.

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Judith "Judy" Heumann (1947-2023) was an internationally recognized disability rights activist, widely regarded as “the mother” of the Disability Rights Movement. She was a leader in the historic Section 504 Sit-In of 1977 and instrumental in the development and implementation of other disability rights legislation. Judy worked in the Clinton and Obama Administrations, as an advisor at the World Bank, and as a Senior Fellow at the Ford Foundation. Judy's story is featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution and her book, Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist.

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Judy Heumann holding her books, Being Heumann and Rolling Warrior

Judy's Life in Her Own Words

Judy's memoir Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist was published in 2020. Shortly following was the Young Adult version, Rolling Warrior. Both were co-authored by Kristen Joiner. Oscar-winner Sian Heder is writing and directing a film adaptation of Being Heumann that was optioned by Apple.

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Judy Heumann Merch

A black long sleeve t-shirt with a purple design on it. The design is an image of Judy Heumann, a white woman who uses a wheelchair, wearing a dress and glasses. She is holding a sign that reads "Disability Rights Now." Around this image is a quote that reads "If you don't demand what you believe in for yourself, you're not gonna get it" and it's attributed to Judy Heumann.

A yellow t-shirt with a navy blue and orange drawing of Judy Heumann and the quote “I wanna see feisty disabled people change the world. Judy Heumann” in navy blue text.

A grey crewneck sweater with and the quote “I wanna see feisty disabled people change the world. Judy Heumann” in navy blue text.

Available in various colors, sizes, and styles through Bonfire. All proceeds benefit the American Association of People with Disabilities, the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, and the World Institute on Disability.

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Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution

Judy's story is featured in the 2020 Oscar-nominated documentary, Crip Camp. Directed by Jim LeBrecht and Nicole Newnham. Available on Netflix and YouTube.

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Illustration of Judy Heumann with a colorful background. She is a white woman who uses a wheelchair with short brown hair. She is wearing red glasses, a dark purple printed shirt, and a lighter purple shaw. The background are abstract leaves and vines in orange and blue. To the right is black text that reads "She's considered the mother of disability rights -- and she's a 'badass'" with the quote attributed to The Washington Post.