Remembering Judy Heumann

The PICS Social Justice Work Group joins mourners worldwide in remembering the life of Judith “Judy” Heumann, who died on March 4, 2023. Judy is widely regarded as “the mother of the disability rights movement,” and as an organization providing services to those with disabilities, we recognize the debt of gratitude that Judy is owed. From the press release regarding her death:

“Judy was at the forefront of major disability rights demonstrations, helped spearhead the passage of disability rights legislation, founded national and international disability advocacy organizations, held senior federal government positions, co-authored her memoir, Being Heumann, and its Young Adult version, Rolling Warrior, and was featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary film, Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution.

“Judy was instrumental in developing and implementing national disability rights legislation, including Section 504, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”

About her life and advocacy, Judy wrote: “Some people say that what I did changed the world…But really, I simply refused to accept what I was told about who I could be. And I was willing to make a fuss about it.”

Thank you, Judy. You won’t be forgotten.