The board and staff of the American Association on Health and Disability (AAHD) are saddened to learn of the passing of Judy Heumann, an international disability rights advocate and so much more to the disability community. Judy was a hero and role model to the disability community and her passing at the age of 75, on Saturday, March 4, 2023, is a very sad day for all of us at AAHD. May her memory be a blessing and her legacy live on.
Judy was a passionate advocate recognized around the world for her role in advancing the civil rights movement for people with disabilities. Yet, when thinking about her purposeful and strategic advocacy, tenacious spirit, and commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities, it is important to recognize Judy’s role in the intersection of disability and health, disability research and advocacy. Her incredible advocacy role in advancing the rights of people with disabilities, brought attention to the importance of health equity, inclusion, accessibility and the role for funding for disability research leading to the improvement of health for people with disabilities around the world. Judy was the best and her advocacy led the groundwork for change in so many areas.
We look forward to sharing a more in-depth tribute to her life in an upcoming issue of the Disability and Health Journal.
We hope you’ll learn more about her legacy and carry on this movement that she helped start.
For more information about her work, visit her website at judithheumann.com.