Judy Heumann is a lifelong advocate for the rights of disabled people. She has been instrumental in the development and implementation of legislation, such as Section 504, the Individuals with Education Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Her memoir, “Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist,” co-authored by Kristen Joiner, was published in 2020. She is also featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary, Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, directed by James LeBrecht and Nicole Newnham. Judy produces a podcast called The Heumann Perspective, which features a variety of members from the disability community.
Judy serves on a number of non-profit boards, including the American Association of People with Disabilities, the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, Humanity and Inclusion, Human Rights Watch, United States International Council on Disability, and Save the Children. She has 20 years of non-profit experience working with various disability organizations, including being a founding member of the Berkeley Center for Independent Living. Prior to starting the Judith Heumann LLC, she served in the Clinton and Obama administrations.
KICKOFF EVENT
AUTHOR EVENT
RESOURCES
Judith Heumann’s media:
The Heumann Perspective Podcast
TedTalk | Our Fght for Disability Rights — and Why We’re Not Done Yet
Reviews:
Articles:
From the New York Times:
The Activist Star of Crip Camp Looks Back at a Life on the Barricades
We’re 20 Percent of America and We’re Still Invisible
From the Washington Post:
She’s Considered the Mother of Disability Rights
From Smithsonian Magazine:
The ADA Was a Monumental Achievement 30 Years Ago, but the Fight for Equal Rights Continues
From the NNLM Region 7 Newsletter:
What is Ableism and how is it a part of the everyday language we use at the library?
Discussion Guide:
Crip Camp Educator Discussion Guide
Videos by other Disability Rights Activists:
I’m a College Student with a Disability. Stop Treating Me Like a Child– a 20 minute documentary in which a 21 year old meets with disability activists for advice about becoming an adult.
Disability Visibility– links to TED talks and other videos by disability rights activists
Organizations:
American Association of People with Disabilities
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund
Disability and Addiction Educational Guide (Bicycle Health)
United States International Council on Disabilities
In the News:
The Morning (NY Times article about stuttering)
Time Magazine’s 100 Women of the Year – 1977: Judith Hermann
14 Questions with Judy Heumann
Disability Revolution Book Club
EVENTS
June 28 UCONN Avery Point Kickoff to the 20th Annual One Book One Region
July is Disability Pride Month!
July 26, 5:00 PM Judy Heumann in Conversation with PBS BooksAugust 23 6:30 PM Waterford Public Library Book Discussion
August 29, 6:00 PM Mystic & Noank Library Book DiscussionSeptember 7 5:30 PM Stonington Free Book Discussion
September 8 2:00 PM Stonington Free Book Discussion
September 8 6:00 PM Mystic Cinemas “Crip Camp” viewing – As a prelude to author Judith Heumann’s visit to the area on September 22, the One Book One Region committee presented a screening of the documentary Crip Camp at Mystic Luxury Cinemas on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 6pm.September 13 6:30 PM Groton Public Book Discussion
September 13 7:00 PM East Lyme Book Discussion
September 14 6:00 PM Otis Library Book Discussion
September 15 6:30 PM Virtual Panel Discussion with Kevin Booker Jr.
September 20 2:00 PM Ledyard Library at Gales Ferry Book Discussion
September 20 2:00 PM New London Library Book Discussion, facilitated by Lynne Rogers
September 22 7:00 PM Finale – Meet the Author at Connecticut College – Palmer Auditorium
October 11 10:30 AM Rose City Center, Norwich Legislative Panel Discussion – Area legislators will talk about key disability-related legislation from this past session and address key topics likely to come up in 2023. If you would like to submit a question for the legislators, please contact Julie Menders at jmenders@otislibrarynorwich.org or call 860-889-2365 x128. The Senior Center is located at 8 Mahan Drive in Norwich.
October 12 1:30 – 3:00 PM Otis Library Community Room – Elanah Sherman, a longtime ADA advocate/educator, will present this in-person program. The workshop will cover the first three Titles of the ADA, with some attention to how the ADA and the Connecticut State Building Code are the same and different. Attendees will be provided with a foundation for understanding how the ADA is structured and may be applied. There will be time for Q&A following the program. Registration is required; please contact Julie Menders at jmenders@otislibrarynorwich.org or call 860-889-2365 x128. Otis Library is located at 261 Main Street in Norwich.
