Judy Heumann: Disability Rights Pioneer | Makers Of XYZ Biography - Makers Of Change Hero (Updated 2025-06-15)

Makers Of Change / People with Disabilities V.01

Champion for Change

In the bustling streets of Brooklyn, New York, Judy Heumann's journey as a trailblazer began when she was just a child. Stricken with polio, she faced the world from a wheelchair, but her spirit soared far beyond any physical limits.

The Fight for Education

Judy's first battle was for her own education. When denied entry to public school because she was deemed a "fire hazard," her family sued for her rights. It was the spark that ignited a lifelong crusade for equal access and opportunity for people with disabilities.

Creator: Jeevan Portraits | Credit: Jeevan Portraits
Copyright: 2022 Jeevan Portraits, all rights reserved. — *Creator: Jeevan Portraits | Credit: Jeevan Portraits Copyright: 2022 Jeevan Portraits, all rights reserved.*

Shaping Policy and Minds

As an activist and organizer, Judy's voice became synonymous with the fight for disability rights. Her leadership in the historic 504 Sit-in led to regulations prohibiting discrimination against people with disabilities by any entity receiving federal funds.

A Legacy of Leadership

Serving as Assistant Secretary of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Judy Heumann shaped policies that transformed the educational landscape. Her work ensured that every child, regardless of ability, had access to learning and the chance to reach their full potential.

Makers Of Moments

Little Advocates

Inclusive Storytime: Choose books that feature characters with diverse abilities to read with your children, fostering an understanding of inclusion from an early age.

Barrier Breakdown: Set up a simple obstacle course at home and discuss how some might be challenging for others, teaching empathy and problem-solving through play.

Empowerment Explorers

Rights and Roles: Engage your kids in a conversation about what rights mean and why they're important for everyone, inspired by Judy Heumann's advocacy.

Accessibility Audit: Take a walk around your neighborhood or school with your children to spot accessibility features like ramps or braille signs. It's an interactive way to learn about the importance of accessible environments.

Champion Charades: Play a game of charades where kids act out different professions, highlighting how people of all abilities can be leaders and make a difference in the world.

Exclusive Offers & News


xyz-embed:
<div id='collection-component-1717017319416'></div>
<script type="text/javascript">
/*<![CDATA[*/
(function () {
  var scriptURL = 'https://sdks.shopifycdn.com/buy-button/latest/buy-button-storefront.min.js';
  if (window.ShopifyBuy) {
    if (window.ShopifyBuy.UI) {
      ShopifyBuyInit();
    } else {
      loadScript();
    }
  } else {
    loadScript();
  }
  function loadScript() {
    var script = document.createElement('script');
    script.async = true;
    script.src = scriptURL;
    (document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(script);
    script.onload = ShopifyBuyInit;
  }
  function ShopifyBuyInit() {
    var client = ShopifyBuy.buildClient({
      domain: 'f13c97-2.myshopify.com',
      storefrontAccessToken: 'a46c1acfc0601c9ccb3a12c0d54963ce',
    });
    ShopifyBuy.UI.onReady(client).then(function (ui) {
      ui.createComponent('collection', {
        id: '303426502808',
        node: document.getElementById('collection-component-1717017319416'),
        moneyFormat: '%24%7B%7Bamount%7D%7D',
        options: {
  "product": {
    "styles": {
      "product": {
        "@media (min-width: 601px)": {
          "max-width": "calc(25% - 20px)",
          "margin-left": "20px",
          "margin-bottom": "50px",
          "width": "calc(25% - 20px)"
        },
        "img": {
          "height": "calc(100% - 15px)",
          "position": "absolute",
          "left": "0",
          "right": "0",
          "top": "0"
        },
        "imgWrapper": {
          "padding-top": "calc(75% + 15px)",
          "position": "relative",
          "height": "0"
        }
      },
      "title": {
        "font-family": "Lato, sans-serif"
      },
      "button": {
        "font-family": "Josefin Slab, sans-serif",
        "font-weight": "bold",
        ":hover": {
          "background-color": "#db71a1"
        },
        "background-color": "#f37eb3",
        ":focus": {
          "background-color": "#db71a1"
        },
        "border-radius": "5px"
      },
      "price": {
        "font-family": "Lato, sans-serif",
        "font-weight": "bold"
      },
      "compareAt": {
        "font-family": "Lato, sans-serif",
        "font-weight": "bold"
      },
      "unitPrice": {
        "font-family": "Lato, sans-serif",
        "font-weight": "bold"
      }
    },
    "buttonDestination": "modal",
    "contents": {
      "options": false
    },
    "text": {
      "button": "View product"
    },
    "googleFonts": [
      "Lato",
      "Josefin Slab"
    ]
  },
  "productSet": {
    "styles": {
      "products": {
        "@media (min-width: 601px)": {
          "margin-left": "-20px"
        }
      }
    }
  },
  "modalProduct": {
    "contents": {
      "img": false,
      "imgWithCarousel": true,
      "button": false,
      "buttonWithQuantity": true
    },
    "styles": {
      "product": {
        "@media (min-width: 601px)": {
          "max-width": "100%",
          "margin-left": "0px",
          "margin-bottom": "0px"
        }
      },
      "button": {
        "font-family": "Josefin Slab, sans-serif",
        "font-weight": "bold",
        ":hover": {
          "background-color": "#db71a1"
        },
        "background-color": "#f37eb3",
        ":focus": {
          "background-color": "#db71a1"
        },
        "border-radius": "5px"
      },
      "title": {
        "font-family": "Playfair Display, serif",
        "font-weight": "normal",
        "font-size": "26px",
        "color": "#4c4c4c"
      },
      "price": {
        "font-family": "Lato, sans-serif",
        "font-weight": "bold",
        "font-size": "18px",
        "color": "#4c4c4c"
      },
      "compareAt": {
        "font-family": "Lato, sans-serif",
        "font-weight": "bold",
        "font-size": "15.299999999999999px",
        "color": "#4c4c4c"
      },
      "unitPrice": {
        "font-family": "Lato, sans-serif",
        "font-weight": "bold",
        "font-size": "15.299999999999999px",
        "color": "#4c4c4c"
      },
      "description": {
        "font-family": "Lato, sans-serif"
      }
    },
    "googleFonts": [
      "Playfair Display",
      "Lato",
      "Josefin Slab"
    ],
    "text": {
      "button": "Add to cart"
    }
  },
  "option": {},
  "cart": {
    "styles": {
      "button": {
        "font-family": "Josefin Slab, sans-serif",
        "font-weight": "bold",
        ":hover": {
          "background-color": "#db71a1"
        },
        "background-color": "#f37eb3",
        ":focus": {
          "background-color": "#db71a1"
        },
        "border-radius": "5px"
      }
    },
    "text": {
      "total": "Subtotal",
      "button": "Checkout"
    },
    "googleFonts": [
      "Josefin Slab"
    ]
  },
  "toggle": {
    "styles": {
      "toggle": {
        "font-family": "Josefin Slab, sans-serif",
        "font-weight": "bold",
        "background-color": "#f37eb3",
        ":hover": {
          "background-color": "#db71a1"
        },
        ":focus": {
          "background-color": "#db71a1"
        }
      }
    },
    "googleFonts": [
      "Josefin Slab"
    ]
  }
},
      });
    });
  }
})();
/*]]>*/
</script>

Learn more about other Makers Of Change, books and services by visiting https://makersof.xyz. Or subscribe to our newsletter, we know you’re tired and doing your best as a parent. We’ll be there to support you occasionally.