Reviewed by Emily Skadorwa
As a graduate student studying rehabilitation counseling and a fierce disability rights advocate working in the residential rehabilitation field, I approached Being Heumann not just as a memoir, but as a crucial roadmap for advocacy and inclusion. Judy Heumann’s reflections on her journey as a woman experiencing disability and her pivotal role in the disability rights movement have not only shaped my understanding of what it means to fight for systemic change but also reinforced my passion for the work I do in the areas of deinstitutionalization and community integration for individuals with the most functionally severe disabilities.
Heumann’s candid storytelling and unrepentant resolve throughout the book highlight the personal and collective struggles of people with disabilities. She weaves the story of her experiences as a woman and person with a disability navigating a world that largely disregarded the potential of people with disabilities with her leadership in the disability rights movement. Heumann’s narrative highlights the transformation of the disability rights movement, from the fight for accessible education to the campaign for the Americans with Disabilities Act, and how she, along with countless other activists, fought against a society that viewed people with disabilities as lesser, or worse, invisible.
For me, the book is more than an inspiring personal history as it serves as a powerful guide for the advocacy work I am committed to as a future rehabilitation counselor. Heumann’s insights into the often-overlooked aspects of institutionalization, like the isolating, dehumanizing effects of being segregated in institutions, are particularly resonant. As someone focused on community integration, her narrative deepens my understanding of the systemic barriers faced by individuals with the most severe disabilities. The accounts of her efforts, including the landmark Section 504 sit-in and her involvement in the Disability Rights Movement’s tireless push for inclusive policies up until her last day, remind me that progress, while it must be slow, is possible, and that there is a consistent need to continue these efforts.
One of the most impactful elements of the book is Heumann’s ability to connect personal agency with the collective power of community. Her story challenges the idea that people with disabilities are passive recipients of care; rather, they are active agents in shaping their futures and their communities. This aligns with my goal of helping people not only find spaces in communities but also create environments where they can thrive, make choices, and be recognized for their contributions. As I reflect on Heumann’s life and activism, I’m reminded of the importance of community-based solutions. The lessons in this book reinforce my belief that institutionalization is an antiquated model and that individuals with disabilities deserve to live in communities where they are supported, seen, and valued. Being Heumann inspires me to approach my work with a renewed sense of determination, as well as a deeper understanding of the intersectionality within the disability rights movement that must always be considered.
This memoir is a must-read for anyone involved in the field of disability rights, rehabilitation counseling, or social justice advocacy. Heumann’s legacy is a call to action for all of us striving to create a more inclusive society where individuals with disabilities are truly seen as full participants in their communities.
Title: Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist
Authors: Judith Heumann, with Kristen Joiner
Publisher: Beacon Press
Year: 2020
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About the Reviewer
Emily Skadorwa holds a Master of Rehabilitation Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She is a passionate advocate for people with disabilities, drawing inspiration from both her professional experience and her personal connection as a sibling of a person with a disability. Emily is committed to advancing equity, autonomy, and person-centered supports for individuals with disabilities in all areas of life.