TASH Mourns the Loss of Disability Rights Champion Judy Heumann

TASH joins countless allies within and beyond the disability community in mourning the passing of Judy Heumann who died on March 4. A founder of the independent living movement, Judy embodied the ideals of equity, opportunity and inclusion for all people with disabilities. She played critical roles as an effective and passionate advocate in the passage of landmark legislation including the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Judy was a leader in the U.S. and internationally, including through her advocacy for the U.N.’s adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In addition to her work in the federal government at the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of State, Judy worked for many advocacy organizations, including the U.S. International Council on Disabilities (USICD.) “I had the good fortune to serve on the USICD Board of Directors with Judy who was a steadfast champion for effective policies and programs that advance the rights of all people with disabilities and a mentor to so many of us.” said TASH Executive Director Michael Brogioli. TASH’s President, Jenny Lengyel, noted that “Judy was a great champion for inclusion; she embodied the values we hold dear and was a true friend of TASH; she will be greatly missed.”

To learn more about the life and legacy of Judy Heumann, please visit judithheumann.com.

Barbara Ransom poses for a photo with Judy Heumann.

Judy Heumann and Barbara Ransom at TASH’s Outstanding Leadership in Disability Law Symposium and Awards Dinner, George Washington University, July 25, 2019