The Passing of Judy Heumann, Disability Rights Advocate

March 4, 2023

Dr Chris Rosa wearing glasses, a dark colored suit and a red tie in his wheelchair and Judy Heumann wearing glasses and wearing a purple cardigan with a bright pattern on it sitting in her wheelchair to the right of him. They are outside on a city sidewalk.

Our hearts are heavy upon learning the news of the passing of Judy Heumann. The disability community has lost a disability rights giant and a trailblazer who has influenced generations – mine included – and will continue to for many years to come.

As Justin Dart, Jr. was seen as the “Father of the ADA,” Judy is often referred to as the “mother” of the disability rights movement. Through her many interviews as a subject of the critically acclaimed and award-winning documentary, Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution and the author of Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist, Judy brought real-life stories and perspectives to the mainstream.

We were honored when she accepted one of our 2020 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards. As The Viscardi Center continues its work to empower children and adults and expands on opportunities to share the narratives of individuals with disabilities who paved the way for historic changes, Judy will be central for her role.

As she alluded to in Being Heumann, Judy shed light on the fact that we are all human. As humans, we will deeply feel her loss, but also remember and cherish her triumphs that changed the world for all of us.

Dr. Chris Rosa
President & CEO, The Viscardi Center

Recent Posts

Get Your Wheels on Fire Socks Today!

Get Your Wheels on Fire Socks Today!

Get Your Wheels on Fire Socks Today! March 21, 2023 The Viscardi Center is thrilled to announce that it is John’s Crazy Socks’ latest charity partner. John’s Crazy Socks is a father-son social enterprise, here on Long Island, inspired by John Lee Cronin, a young man...

2022 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards Bestowed

2022 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards Bestowed

2022 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards Bestowed December 3, 2022 The Viscardi Center, a renowned non-profit organization that educates, employs, and empowers people with disabilities, announced six recipients of the 2022 Henry Viscardi Achievement Awards. The Awards...

Reach for a Star 40th Anniversary Receives Rave Reviews!

Reach for a Star 40th Anniversary Receives Rave Reviews!

Reach for a Star 40th Anniversary Receives Rave Reviews! November 29, 2022 The Viscardi Center’s annual Reach for a Star Luncheon celebrated its 40th Anniversary on November 15, 2022, at the Crest Hollow Country Club. This year’s luncheon happily returned to in-person...

The Viscardi Center
Address: 201 I U Willets Rd, Albertson, NY 11507
Phone: 516.465.1400

Email: info@viscardicenter.org

Careers | The Viscardi Store | FAQs | Financials | Staff Log-In | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Statement | Copyright