Access Living friends and allies,
The disability community lost a titan this weekend with the passing of global disability activist Judy Heumann. We at Access Living lost a close friend and staunch supporter. Judy became a household name in 2020 with the premier of the Oscar-nominated documentary Crip Camp, a film that highlights her lifelong work pushing for disability rights in every aspect of modern society. But we have the pleasure of knowing Judy well for the past four decades, working with her and learning from her. Every time she came to Access Living she made new friends and motivated community members, impacting everyone she met. We will miss you, Judy, may your memory be a guide to continue to build a more equitable world for people with disabilities. Rest in power.
Here are details about Judy’s memorial service that will be held this week on the morning of Wednesday, March 8. Her service will be livestreamed for those who would like to attend virtually.
Here is a sampling of news coverage about Judy’s extraordinary life —
From NPR: Activist Judy Heumann led a reimagining of what it means to be disabled
From AP: Judy Heumann, disability rights activist, dies at age 75
From The New York Times: Judy Heumann, Who Led the Fight for Disability Rights, Dies at 75
From The Guardian: Judith Heumann, activist who led US disability rights movement, dies aged 75
From PBS: Judy Heumann, trailblazing disability rights advocate, dies at 75