The Impact of Judy Heumann’s Legacy Within the Disability Community
By Makahla Jackson and Dr. Ashley Volion
The late Judith “Judy” Heumann, known as the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement,” was an influential figure who left a lasting impact on disability rights. Judy’s leadership style was about taking bold action, building partnerships, and empowering others to make a difference in the world. Her parents fostered a sense of activism in her at a young age by fighting to get her enrolled in the New York School System. From then on, she knew anything was possible and held a sense of leadership in everything she did.
Judy’s Journey for Disability Rights and Advocacy Successes
One of Judy’s key leadership traits was inclusivity. She believed that everyone has the right to participate in society. Her goal was to make sure that the voices of people with disabilities were heard and valued. Judy truly embodied the theme of Nothing About Us Without Us! In her book Being Heumann: An unrepentant memoir of a disability rights activist, she wrote: “Inclusion is not just about physical access; it’s about the right to belong and participate in all aspects of life.”
Throughout her life, Judy worked hard to instill a sense of belonging among her disabled comrades. For example, as a teenager, Judy attended Camp Jened, a summer camp for disabled people in New York City. While at camp, she engaged fellow campers in inclusive activities that allowed her to connect with others and foster a sense of community. This sense of community would be essential to the success of the collective activism of Judy and her allies in the decades that followed.
Judy’s belief in the power of positive thinking was also an instrumental part of her leadership style. She inspired and motivated others by encouraging them to believe in themselves and their abilities. Judy was a firm believer that our attitudes determine our possibilities. She thought that as long as people remain positive, anything is possible.
Judy’s work with the Black Panthers
While working within the Disability Rights Movement, she collaborated with other advocates towards common goals, with teamwork a crucial part to achieving success. During the 504 sit-ins, which led to the issuance of long-delayed regulations regarding Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Judy worked closely with the Black Panthers to gain support for the movement. She recognized that the Black Panthers were already advocating for their rights and deeply understood what it meant to fight for freedom and justice, recognizing that we are all interdependent and need each other for our collective liberation.
Judy and the Black Panthers shared a common goal of achieving equality and social justice for all marginalized communities. Together, they organized protests and worked tirelessly to ensure that the voices of people with disabilities were heard. Judy’s collaboration with the Black Panthers highlights her ability to work with diverse groups and build alliances through liberation towards a common goal. This demonstrates her commitment to inclusivity and intersectionality in her leadership style.
Judy’s impact on legislation
Judy’s advocacy related to the education of disabled children in the U.S. began in the early 1970s, when she co-founded Disabled in Action. This organization was one of the driving forces behind the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, which was signed into law in 1975 and later became the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The IDEA ensures that children with disabilities receive free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment possible.
Judy’s advocacy work also contributed to the implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, which prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in areas such as employment, transportation, and public accommodations. Judy’s leadership and advocacy work were instrumental in the passage of these important laws, which have greatly improved the lives of people with disabilities by ensuring their access to education, employment, and full participation in society. Her legacy continues to inspire advocates today to work towards further progress in disability rights and to create a more inclusive society for all.
Judy’s Impact on the U.S Gender and Disability Justice Alliance
Judy’s work within the disability movement impacted the conversation of inclusivity in a significant way. As members of the U.S. Gender and Disability Justice Alliance (USGDJA), an inclusive gender-based alliance, we, too, hope to take the action steps informed by Judy’s multifaceted leadership style. Our Alliance is integral to creating a deeper conversation about the intersections of gender and disability. A valuable aspect of our Alliance is our ability to see one another’s strengths and acknowledge others’ lived experiences with disability. Like Judy, we recognize that disability is a human experience that varies between individuals. We honor and cherish Judy’s commitment to inclusion within the disability community and the global sphere by providing safe spaces for one another.
Our mission statement for the Alliance states:
“Our work addresses ableism and other relevant intersections of discrimination and prejudice, such as racism, sexism, heteronormativity, etc. In addition to engaging in education and initiating change, the Alliance is a safe, supportive, feminist, and disability justice-oriented space where members can connect and share experiences and insights.”
The U.S. Gender and Disability Justice Alliance is where advocacy and community converge. Much of our work is done collaboratively, creating a dynamic structure of like-minded U.S. advocates. We hold space for differing perspectives and experiences to ensure our work is inclusive and representative of us all. Throughout her life, Judy was persistent in creating effective change with those in her community. Our Alliance aims to exemplify a collective leadership style that reflects Judy’s model.
As an Alliance, we often challenge the systems in place that impact the treatment of our voice. This is reminiscent of remarks Judy wrote in her memoir: “Our anger was a fury sparked by profound injustices. And with that rage, we ripped a hole in the status quo.” Our outrage and discontentment with the “way things are” allows us to continue this work. Judy’s work speaks to the heart of the Alliance; to continue fighting for disability justice even through active discrimination and harm.
Conclusion
As an Alliance that speaks heavily on the intersection of gender and disability, we have committed to creating an accessible society that embodies Judy’s strength and tenacity in all our work. We pay homage to Judy by honoring and highlighting the impact her passion and desire for justice has had on the disability movement. Judy’s work has paved our way, and it is our duty to us to keep it going. In doing so, we hope to create change and an equitable future for disabled people around the globe.
About the authors
Ashley Volion, a Louisiana native with Cerebral Palsy, is a prominent advocate for disability rights and a member of the U.S. Gender and Disability Justice Alliance. She holds a Ph.D. in Disability Studies from the University of Illinois at Chicago. As a Policy Analyst at Disability Rights LA, Ashley focuses on voting rights and improving home and community-based services for people with disabilities. Her unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive society and empowering individuals with disabilities has made her a force to be reckoned with.
Makahla Jackson lives in Richmond, Virginia, and works as a Social Media Assistant. She is a disability advocate and freelance writer interested in equitable healthcare for BIPOC patients. Makahla shares her personal experiences within the healthcare system through social media. She’s been a member of U.S. Gender and Disability Justice Alliance since 2021.
U.S. Gender and Disability Justice Alliance (USGDJA or the Alliance) is a new disability justice-oriented collective convening women, nonbinary persons, and other gender minorities with disabilities from across the United States together to take action on issues important to our community.
