March 5, 2025
Source: The Judy Heumann Website.
[The following content (text only) is reposted, with permission, from the Judy Heumann Newsletter.]
Welcome back to the Judy Heumann Newsletter! Today, we are remembering Judy on the two-year anniversary of her passing. Her legacy lives on as she continues to be celebrated and honored by many.
Unfortunately, we are also witnessing attacks on disability rights that Judy fought for all her life. From Medicaid cuts to the Texas v. Becerra lawsuit threatening Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act— a law that Judy and many other advocates fought for in 1977 — there is much at stake. Learn more about these issues and actions you can take:
- Texas v. Becerra explainer and action items (DREDF)
- Contact your Attorney General to protect Section 504 (DREDF)
- Call your members of Congress to protect Medicaid (Caring Across Generations)
- Email your members of Congress to protect Medicaid (NDRN)
Judith Heumann Square in Lyon, France
Judith Heumann Square in Lyon, France was unveiled and dedicated on the eve of International Day of People with Disabilities in December. This square located outside the Musée des Confluences has been named after Judy as part of the City of Lyon’s 2023-2025 disability plan.
- An event screening DC Developmental Disabilities Council’s Judith Campaign videos will be held today in DC at 4pm ET. Register here. [Event has ended]
- The film adaptation of Judy’s memoir Being Heumann is currently casting actors with disabilities! Submit by March 7.
- How to Be Disabled in a Pandemic was recently published by NYU Press. It features an afterwork written by Judy and was edited by Mara Mills, Harris Kornstein, Faye Ginsburg and Rayna Rapp. Order here using code NYUAU30 for 30% off.
- Judy is featured in the new documentary directed by Jim LeBrecht, Change Not Charity: The Americans with Disabilities Act. It will premiere on PBS on March 25 and a screening at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in DC will be held on March 13 at 7pm ET. Register here.
- Judy was remembered on December 18, her 77th birthday by PBS, National Women’s History Museum, Miss Representation, CommunicationFIRST, A Mighty Girl, and many others.
- World Institute on Disability has launched new merch honoring Judy and her fellow WID founders Ed Roberts and Joan Leon.
Recent Awards in Judy’s Honor
2Gether-International awarded their 2024 Judith Heumann Innovation and Entrepreneurship Award to Eric Ingram, citing his how “contributions through Scout Space, AstroAccess, 2GI, and beyond truly reflect Judith’s vision for a more inclusive and accessible world.”
In April of 2024, the State Department established the Judith Heumann Memorial Award for Leadership and Service in Accessibility, Disability Rights, and Inclusion to celebrate a State Department employee. In December, the inaugural award was given to Judy’s friend and former colleague, Ann Cody.
Judy in the News
- Daily Kos: A selection of political books for kids
- iHeart Podcasts: Historical Records: Judy Heumann (featuring Ali Stroker and Jenna Bainbridge)
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazetter: The world could change radically for disabled Americans
- Time: A Lawsuit Threatens the Disability Protections I’ve Known My Whole Life
Visit our website to learn more about Judy and find additional resources. Follow “Judy Heumann Legacy” on social media to stay updated on projects, news, and more!
Contact: media@judithheumann.com
Copyright (C) 2023 Judith Heumann LLC. All rights reserved.
Web: judithheumann.com
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