Being Heumann

An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist

By: Judith Heumann, Kristen Joiner

Narrated by: Ali Stroker

Length: 6 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Tony-Award winning actress Ali Stroker reads the story of Judy Heumann - one of the most influential disability-rights activists in US history.

A story of fighting to belong in a world that wasn't built for all of us and of one woman's activism - from the streets of Brooklyn and San Francisco to inside the halls of Washington - Being Heumann recounts Judy Heumann's lifelong battle to achieve respect, acceptance, and inclusion in society.

Paralyzed from polio at 18 months, Judy's struggle for equality began early in life. From fighting to attend grade school after being described as a "fire hazard" to later winning a lawsuit against the New York City school system for denying her a teacher's license because of her paralysis, Judy's actions set a precedent that fundamentally improved rights for disabled people.

As a young woman, Judy rolled her wheelchair through the doors of the US Department of Health, Education, and Welfare in San Francisco as a leader of the Section 504 Sit-In, the longest takeover of a governmental building in US history. Working with a community of more than 150 disabled activists and allies, Judy successfully pressured the Carter administration to implement protections for disabled peoples' rights, sparking a national movement and leading to the creation of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Candid, intimate, and irreverent, Judy Heumann's memoir about resistance to exclusion invites listeners to imagine and make real a world in which we all belong.

©2020 Judith Heumann and Kristen Joiner (P)2020 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Thoughtful and illuminating, this inspiring story is a must-read for activists and civil rights supporters.” (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

“Consider this book an inspiring call for inclusiveness, courage, equity, and justice as well as a reminder of people’s power to change the world for the better.” (Booklist)

“A driving force in the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act looks back on a long career of activism...A welcome account of politics in action, and for the best of causes.” (Kirkus Reviews)

Good Book on Social Change

loved it. excellent book on social activism and the spirit of what democratic society SHOULD be.

Force to Reckon

I'm on various Board of Directors that are disability related. Judy Heumann has always been a force to reckon. I'm recommending her book, "Being Heumann" to all of my board members to read. Even if you do not have a disability, this is a good book on the community and the history of 504 and American with Disabilities Act. Her memoirs bring insight on what it's like being a self advocate.

wow, just wow!

loved this story of grit and determination. very clear and compelling call for including! thanks!

Great Story

I have seen Netflix Documentary Crimp Camp and this book is a more personal story about disability rights.

An important retelling of History

Although I didn't think this was the most compelling audiobook, Heumann's story is worth telling and retelling. She's an extraordinary hero of the disability rights movement. Personally, without the work she did on 504 and the ADA, my life would have been very different. All of us who fight for equality and justice stand on her capable shoulders. Thank you!

Empowering!

Judith Heumann story is one of many and I'm so glad that it being told in her own words. Ali Stroker performnce really creates a place and time and makes you feel invest in the story. Many of these same fights are still going on today Judith story is an important win in the fight for equal rights.

Great story

Great story and overview of disability activism from a personal and cultural perspective. Highly recommend.

Must Read for All Who Value Human Rights for ALL

Excellent history of the disability rights movement in the US and abroad woven with Judith Heumann's personal history as a human with a disability. Before I retired in 2019 from college teaching, I taught a multi-disciplinary course called "Reimagining disABILITY through Literature, Film & Media." I wish this book could have been on my syllabus. I plan to teach this course at the Forever Learning Institute for senior citizens in South Bend, Indiana, and this book will definitely be on my syllabus. In the meantime, I'll recommend it highly to friends, family, other teachers, and writers.

disability pride at it's best

fantastic memoir of our community showing our finest work demonstrating time tested social justice strategies

Excellent book suggested by ACLU

Excellent book suggested by ACLU. One of the best narrators I've heard in the dozens of audible books I've listened to.