Judy Heumann, 1947-Present
Judy Heumann, 1947-Present
Judith (Judy) Heumann contracted polio in 1949 in Brooklyn, New York. She experienced discrimination for the first time when she was declared a “fire hazard” and was denied the right to attend school. Her parents played a strong role in fighting for her rights as a child. Working in collaboration with other disabled people, Heumann determined that she had to play an increasing advocacy role as she and others experienced continuous discrimination because of their disabilities. She is now an internationally recognized leader in the disability rights community and a lifelong civil rights advocate. She was also responsible for the implementation of legislation at the national level for programs in special education, disability research, vocational rehabilitation and independent living, serving more than 8 million youth and adults with disabilities.
W Challenge 
Judy Heumann, 1947-Present
Judith (Judy) Heumann contracted polio in 1949 in Brooklyn, New York. She experienced discrimination for the first time when she was declared a “fire hazard” and was denied the right to attend school. Her parents played a strong role in fighting for her rights as a child. Working in collaboration with other disabled people, Heumann determined that she had to play an increasing advocacy role as she and others experienced continuous discrimination because of their disabilities. She is now an internationally recognized leader in the disability rights community and a lifelong civil rights advocate. She was also responsible for the implementation of legislation at the national level for programs in special education, disability research, vocational rehabilitation and independent living, serving more than 8 million youth and adults with disabilities.