Celebrating Judy Heumann, Godmother of the Disability Rights Movement (1947-2023)

This week, Off-Kilter is taking a break from our ongoing series about self-care as political warfare to honor the life and legacy of Judy Heumann, an iconic civil rights leader and the godmother of the disability rights movement. Judy passed away on March 4, 2023, at age 75. It was especially important to the Off-Kilter team and to many of us at The Century Foundation to do a tribute to Judy for this week’s episode of the podcast because she was a mentor, friend, and an inspiration to so many of us personally, as is true for nearly everyone involved with the movement for disability rights and justice. Those of us engaged in disability rights advocacy and activism today simply wouldn't be doing this work if not for the trail Judy blazed. It is with a heavy heart, balanced out with immeasurable gratitude and love, that we dedicate this week’s episode of Off-Kilter to celebrating the life of Judy Heumann. Rebecca was joined for this special tribute by several members of TCF’s Disability Economic Justice Team: Kim Knackstedt, Kings Floyd, and Emily Ladau. Show notes Listen to the full Off-Kilter episode with Judy, Rebecca Cokley, Mia Ives-Rublee, and Representative Ayanna Pressley from September 2022 that’s excerpted in this tribute Here is TCF’s statement honoring Judy; and here are some of our favorite tributes to Judy: Rebecca Cokley’s CNN op-ed; NPR's Joe Shapiro; AAPD’s obituary And if you haven’t watched Crip Camp yet, you’re doing it wrong.