Being Heumann

Recommended Ages: 12+

Edited by Judith Heumann and Kristen Joiner.

In Being Heumann, one of the most influential disability rights activists in U.S. history shares her personal journey of fighting for education, employment, and basic human dignity. Judy Heumann’s story is a powerful account of her lifelong struggle for belonging in a world not designed for everyone. Paralyzed by polio at just eighteen months, Judy's quest for equality began early. She faced numerous challenges, from being labeled a "fire hazard" to successfully suing the New York City school system for denying her a teacher's license due to her disability. 

As a young woman, Judy played a pivotal role in the Section 504 Sit-In, the longest takeover of a federal building in U.S. history, demanding equal rights for disabled individuals. Alongside over 150 activists and allies, she successfully pressured the Carter administration to implement protections for people with disabilities, igniting a national movement that culminated in the creation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This compelling narrative not only highlights Judy's remarkable activism but also serves as a testament to the fight for respect, acceptance, and inclusion in society.