Being Heumann

Judith and her assistant, Carol, prepared for a rally that was part of a nationwide demonstration targeting the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (HEW), pressuring them to sign the Rehabilitation Act by April 5, 1977. At the Center for Independent Living (CIL), Judith and others organized The Committee to Save 504, led by Kitty Cone, who had muscular dystrophy and also used a wheelchair. Judith and Kitty made a secret agreement to refuse to take no for an answer, and Judith packed an extra set of underwear in case she happened to be detained.

Judith was driven to the demonstration and found Kitty already organizing a stage in front of the San Francisco Federal Building. There were organizers and supporters everywhere. Judith also noticed many supporters from other civil rights groups, such as the Black Panthers and LGBTQ+ activists. Each of these groups identified with each other and was aware that a fight for one group’s civil rights was a fight for everyone.

Kitty gave a speech demanding the signing of Section 504, and Judith followed with her own story. She commented on waiting years for the bill to be signed and how people with disabilities had the right to be fully included in society.