NASDDDS Mourns: Judith Heumann Legacy

NASDDDS joins the world and advocates across the country in mourning the passing and celebrating the legacy of Judith “Judy” Heumann.  Heumann was widely regarded as one of the most important leaders of the disability rights movement, passing away in Washington, D.C. on the afternoon of March 4, 2023. Judy was at the forefront of major disability rights demonstrations, spurred 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. Her impact on civil rights in the United States is immeasurable.  Her legacy lives on in the hearts of advocates and allies across the country and throughout the world.  May she rest in peace and power. Lead on.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released this statement in response to Heumann’s passing: LINK