RIP Judy Heumann, leading disability rights activist

Leading US disability rights advocate Judith “Judy” Heumann passed away in Washington DC on March 4, 2023.

Judy was at the forefront of major disability rights demonstrations, helped spearhead the passage of disability rights legislation in the US, founded US and international disability advocacy organisations, 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'.

Judy shared her knowledge and experience with people around the world including New Zealand. In February last year she took part in an Access Matters webinar 'Lessons from International Disability Advocates for New Zealand' which discussed how to strengthen the campaign for an effective accessibility law in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Read the press release on the Judy Heumann website: The World Mourns the Passing of Judy Heumann, Disability Rights Activist