Judy Heumann was a trailblazer in every sense of the word. As the Mother of the Disability Rights Movement, she broke through and exposed societal and systemic barriers she faced in her own life while remaining consistently passionate about improving the lives of people with disabilities everywhere.
She understood that her story wasn’t the only story that needed attention, even though she personally faced being denied a classroom as a child or being discriminated against for a job. Her focus remained on empowering people with disabilities across the nation. Because of her work, essential disability legislation was passed, including Section 504 of the 1972 Rehabilitation Act which “forbids organizations and employers from excluding or denying individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to receive program benefits and services†(HHS) and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Heumann went on to lend her support and leadership to several disability organizations and initiatives, inspiring young people with disabilities to advocate for access and inclusion.
“Part of the problem is that we tend to think that equality is about treating everyone the same when it’s not. It’s about fairness. It’s about equity of access.†Judy Heumann
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| VIDEO: Easterseals reflects on Judy Heumann’s impact on disability advocacy. |
The progress that has been made in favor of disability rights would not have been possible without Judy Heumann. There is no question that her impact will be remembered for generations to come.
Read more on the Easterseals Blog: “In Celebration of Judy Heumannâ€
