Image description: Two pictures of Judy Heumann. On the left is a black and white photo of Heumann speaking at a microphone. Her hair is dark and cut short, she wears a dark jacket with a pin that says “Sign 504”. On the right is a color photo of Heumann sitting in a wheel chair. She has short brown hair, glasses and is wearing a blue shirt and smiling.
DEC writes to you today with a heavy heart to share news that Judith “Judy” Heumann—widely regarded as “the mother” of the disability rights movement—passed away this weekend.
An obituary for Judy is here: https://judithheumann.com/the-world-mourns-the-passing-of-judy-heumann-disability-rights-activist/
Here is a statement about her life and impact from President Biden: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/03/05/statement-from-president-joe-biden-on-the-passing-of-judith-heumann/
Here is a wonderful quote that Judy once offered:
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.
Judy Heumann
We will miss you and your bright light, Judy! Please join DEC in celebrating today and forever the important work and life of Judy Heumann.
With peace and love,
Your DEC