Today our hearts are saddened by the passing of legendary disability rights activist and leader Judith (Judy) Heumann. Considered “The Mother of the Disability Rights Movement,” Judy was essential to disability rights advocacy and progress. Judy became disabled at the age of two – long before any disability rights laws existed and fought her entire life to ensure that she and other people with disabilities had the access they deserved. It is shocking to lose such an integral and beloved figure within the disability rights movement, especially because both the progress of the movement and its history is so recent. Judy was pivotal to the passing of essential disability rights legislation including the 1972 Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Her impact on the disability community, disability law, international disability rights, and disability activism will be felt and known forever.
“It is because of her advocacy that our organization can do the work we do today. We are indebted to her and her work, and we will continue her fight for disability rights in her honor,” Peter Sleasman, DRF Executive Director.
