Judy Heumann Dies: Disabilities Activist And Author Of ‘Being Heumann’ Was 75
deadline.comJudy Heumann, who helped secure legislation protecting the rights of disabled people and whose life’s story was being adapted to film, has died at age 75.
She died Saturday in Washington, D.C., as confirmed by the American Assn. of People with Disabilities. No cause was given. Heumann lost her ability to walk at age 2 after contracting polio, but fought for disabled people’s rights throughout her life via protests and legal action.
She lobbied for legislation that eventually led to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, and the Rehabilitation Act.
She served as the assistant secretary of the U.S. Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, beginning in 1993 in the Clinton administration, until 2001.
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