Book Review on "Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of A Disability Activist”

Hey guys!

I just finished reading Judith (Judy) Heumann’s book, "Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of A Disability Activist,” and it was amazing! It was an enjoyable read and an incredible way to learn how Judy Heumann and others worked tirelessly to get disabled people’s rights and ensure that they can live and participate in society.

Premise 

This book was an autobiographical piece of Judith Heumann’s life by Judith Heumann and Kristen Joiner. It discusses how she overcame barriers with her disability throughout her life and how she advocated to improve the lives of disabled people with other activists, her friends, and colleagues. She also talks about how her family supported her and advocated for her, especially her mother. She was grateful for all the people she met and the opportunities she had and created for others. 

Who was Judith (Judy) Heumann?

Judith Heumann (December 18th, 1947-March 4th, 2023) was a disability activist who changed disabled people’s lives in the US and the entire world by fighting for disabled people’s rights, pushing back against negative connotations and actions, and ensuring they are included and accepted in society. She and other activists, such as Kitty Cone, Mary Jane, Ed Roberts, Nancy D’Angelo, Jim LeBlanc, and many more assist in changing people’s perceptions of disabled people and ensuring disabled people be allowed to attend school and be employed. She had polio and she was in a wheelchair. She was born during the late 1940s when disability rights were nonexistent. Even though that time did not give her any opportunities, she overcame barriers by attending school and college, getting her master’s degree in public health, and becoming a teacher to advocate for disabled people’s rights and liberties. She did not let people tell her what to do. She kept pushing and fighting—even when she was denied the ability to become a teacher or when she was forced out of the plane because she was independently on it, or when politicians and governors did not even give Section 504, Americans with Disabilities Act, Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), and many more. She was able to fly on a plane by herself after she went to court and the court ruled in her favor. She and other activists passed the ADA and IDEA within days and weeks of the 504 sit-ins. They were really brave and persistent. In addition, she worked in the Clinton and the Obama administration to help disabled people globally! She helped them be heard and recognized by their country. She and her team assisted to get buildings accessible in various countries. She was a great person and helped shape the world’s view on people with disabilities! 

Heumann wanted to build a community and work together to show people that disabled people should be allowed to live their lives and do their thing without being discriminated against and ridiculed. Disabled people should be allowed to go to school with everybody else. They should be respected and able to live in society. Heumann and many activists fought and advocated for that message to be heard so that they could live in a friendly, inclusive, and accessible society. 

Takeaways and lessons 

From reading this book, I learned that disabled people had no rights before the 1970s and they fought so hard for rights. They kept pushing and never gave up. I also learned that the Black Panthers helped them out during the 504 sit-ins. I thought it was vital to know that the disabled and black communities came together and helped each other out. They had fun with one another. They told stories and ate together every night during the sit-ins! My favorite part of the book was when she talked about how she and her team changed the perspective of disability and accessibility globally and they taught world leaders about disability. I just thought that it was really cool to hear that she was working to ensure that people acknowledge and accept people with disabilities from all over the world. 

This book has taught me to keep fighting and keep moving through life but also build a community and have a good time! Don’t be afraid to speak up because that’s the only way you can make changes in your community and the world. Judith Heumann is one of my role models and I’m inspired by her and the work that she has done. I look up to her because she didn’t stop advocating for herself and others even when she was being told no and discriminated against. She built a community of people so they could advocate and create a safe place for everyone. I also really like that she formed a community and made a change for people.

I would 100% recommend this book. It was an excellent choice! If you want to read to learn about the disability community or just learn something new, or just because you love reading, this book is probably for you!

Have a great day, guys!