Judith Heumann’s passing is a reminder to teach about inclusivity and disability rights
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I have taught for nearly two decades, and I have had the privilege of working with diverse students, each with unique backgrounds, experiences, and struggles.
These experiences have taught me, again and again, the importance of representation in my classroom; from the literature that I use to the pictures on my wall, I have personally seen how it can impact the self-esteem and confidence of young people.
So, when I learned of the passing of Judith Heumann, a former NYC public school teacher and the “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement,” on March 4, 2023, my heart sank.
While many outside the education world may not be familiar with Heumann’s name, her impact on the disability rights movement is immeasurable. As educators, we can honor her legacy by teaching our students about the importance of inclusivity and disability justice.
A Journey from Teacher to Activist
Judith Heumann was a trailblazer in the disability rights movement and a fierce advocate for disability rights and accessibility. At 18 months, she was diagnosed with polio, resulting in her needing to use a wheelchair for the rest of her life.
At the age of 5, when she and her mother went to register for school, she was refused enrollment, deemed “a fire hazard.” Huemann then attended special education classes and eventually graduated from Long Island University in 1969 and the University of California at Berkeley in 1975 with an M.A. in public health.
However, Heumann always yearned to be a teacher. Even after completing all the college courses and passing all the exams, the New York City Board of Education denied her application for a teaching license because she used a wheelchair.
This denial did not deter Heumann. Heumann, being the constant warrior, sued the Board of Education. The New York Times reported on her fight to become a teacher. She was finally granted her license and taught for three years- at the school that denied her access as a child.
The Mother of the Disability Rights Movement
Because of her pioneering work championing the rights of people with disabilities, Judith Heumann earned the moniker “Mother of the Disability Rights Movement.”
Her work has been instrumental in guaranteeing legal protections and recognition for people with disabilities, including being a leader of the Section 504 Sit-In, a 26-day protest in San Francisco. In 1988, Heumann played a vital role in developing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and fighting for its passage in 1990. It is considered one of the most significant pieces of civil rights legislation.
Throughout the 90s, she worked with the Clinton administration to implement the ADA and guarantee that federal agencies complied with its requirements. In 2010, Heumann was appointed the Special Advisor for International Disability Rights at the U.S. Department of State.
How to Incorporate Judith Heumann’s Legacy in the Classroom
As an educator, I have always considered it my responsibility to provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students and champion the rights of marginalized students.
When I learned of Ms. Heumann’s death, I asked my students if they knew who she was or why she was important. As I am sure you already guessed, they had no idea. I immediately started to figure out how to put portions of the amazing documentary ‘Crip Camp‘ into our next lesson.
It wasn’t that hard; there is always a place to work inclusion into the curriculum.
Then I began thinking about more substantial ways that teachers could honor the iconic legacy of Judith Heumann in any classroom.
At the Elementary Level
Teaching about disabilities and Judith Heumann’s work can seem tricky at the elementary level. However, if approached in a developmentally appropriate way, it can foster an early understanding of disability rights in students. Here are some simple ways to quickly and easily begin in the classroom to honor Ms. Heumann’s legacy.
Teachers should emphasize the importance of including people with disabilities in all aspects of life, teaching students about the barriers that people with disabilities may face. You can encourage students to think about how they can be more welcoming to people with disabilities and encourage students to put themselves in their shoes. You can also purposely use stories and examples that illustrate the experiences of people with disabilities and the importance of disability inclusion.
The following is an easy lesson plan for teaching about Judith Heumann.
Grade level: Elementary Lesson Plan: Honoring the Legacy of Judith Heumann
Objective:
- Students will learn about Judith Heumann’s life and legacy as a disability rights activist and advocate.
- Students will reflect on the importance of disability rights and how they can promote inclusivity and accessibility in their communities.
Materials needed:
- Accessible biography of Judith Heumann
- Paper and pencils
- paper and markers (or electronic devices)
- Video of Judith Heumann speaking (optional)
Introduction
- Ask students if they know what disability rights are and if they can think of any famous people who have worked to advance disability rights.
- Introduce Judith Heumann as a disability rights activist and advocate who has dedicated her life to making the world a more inclusive and accessible place for people with disabilities.
Reading and Discussion
- Distribute copies of the accessible biography of Judith Heumann, and have students read as a class taking time to answer any questions and pause for discussion.
- After reading, facilitate a discussion by asking questions such as:
- What did you learn about Judith Heumann’s life and work?
- Why was it important for Heumann to advocate for disability rights?
- What challenges did Heumann face, and how did she overcome them?
Reflection
- Distribute paper and pencils, and have students write or draw their responses to the following prompts:
- What do disability rights mean to you?
- How can we make our communities more inclusive and accessible for people with disabilities?
Visual Making
- Divide students into small groups and provide them with paper and markers. This may also be completed using a digital device such as Google Slides or Canva.
- Instruct each group to create a visual that celebrates Judith Heumann’s legacy and promotes disability rights.
- Encourage students to use images, words, and colors to make their posters eye-catching and informative.
Conclusion
- Ask each group to share their visual with the class and have a brief discussion about the different ways we can promote disability rights in our communities.
If time allows, show a video of Judith Heumann speaking and encourage students to reflect on her inspiring message.
Teaching about Judith Heumann at the Secondary Level
Discussing disabilities and Judith Heumann’s life at the secondary level lends to more in-depth discussions and investigation.
Teachers can supply historical context for the disability rights movement, including the social and political climate that gave rise to the movement. This context can help students understand the significance of her work and its impact. You can also emphasize the role of advocacy and activism in the disability rights movement, showcasing the different strategies used to effect change, such as protests, demonstrations, and legislative advocacy.
Also, older students can benefit from explaining the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and discussing the different accessibility requirements and anti-discrimination provisions. Teachers can also start to examine with students the intersectionality of disability with other forms of oppression, such as racism, sexism, and homophobia.
Finally and probably most importantly, you can encourage your students to think critically about disability inclusion and accessibility in their lives and communities. Discussing the barriers that people with disabilities may face and encouraging students to think critically about ways to be more inclusive and welcoming to people with disabilities. Oftentimes the best lesson comes from those with personal experience. Teachers with disabilities (or personal connections to those with disabilities) should feel empowered to tell their stories. Students should as well, although they should never feel pressured to share.
Educators Must Honor Judith Heumann’s Legacy
The passing of Judith Heumann serves as a reminder of the significant contributions accomplished by disability activists and the still tremendous amount of ongoing work needed to create a more equitable and inclusive society.
bout the Author:
My name is Jess Lyons. During my day, I wear several hats. I am a mother, above all, a high school English teacher, a freelance writer, a copious elocutionist of sarcasm, and — according to my students — just a tad “extra.” My passion for language and storytelling has always been a driving force in my life, and my experience in the classroom gives me a unique perspective on how to communicate ideas effectively. As a writer, I draw on my background in education to create content that is not only engaging and informative but also accessible to a wide range of audiences.
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