Being Heumann

An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist

By: Judith Heumann, Kristen Joiner

Narrated by: Ali Stroker

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 eighteen 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 over 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 readers to imagine and make real a world in which we all belong.

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.

So engaging

I loved this book and the performance was excellent 👏🏿 bravo to the reader for bringing this book alive for me.

Gran historia de vida

Un testimonio fundamental sobre la lucha por los derechos de las personas con discapacidad. Excelente narración.

Inspirational

I loved hearing about Judy’s life and all that she advocated for. She is such an inspiration and her actions made a difference for so many people.

There's no stopping Heumann!

I first became aware of Heumann after watching "Crip Camp" on Netflix. (Great resource: It's thought provoking when you can pair entertainment and education).

This book goes beyond camp and dives into the world of social justice that gives an insightful overview into what it takes to effect change in this country.
Heumann's language, thoughts and strategies are helping me cross-pollinate knowledge and action between different advocacy teams I work with.

In addition, as an employer of a disabled person, this book gave me further understanding of the independence she craves and the tools she needs to get there.

And, as a woman, Judy's honesty hit home.

~The narrator, Ali Stoker, does a wonderful job. She even sounds a bit like Judy.~

Grateful for Heumann, her honesty, vulnerability and her relentless relisience along with the loads of allies who fight for social justice around the globe.

Great Book on a wonderful person!

This autobiography is well thought out and truly compelling. Heumann is a true pioneer of the disability rights movement. Ali Stroker did a great narration of the book. I cannot wait until I see the movie.

Loved every page! Learned so much!

I am a special education teacher, and I can't believe I've never heard of Judith Heumann. I really enjoyed this book, and learned so much. I would recommend it to anyone.
The narrator is awesome as well!

What would Judy do?

What an inspiration?! Judy takes the phrase "You can do anything you put your mind to," to exceptional levels. Her spirit and tenacity have made this world a better place. This is especially a great read for anyone involved in any kind of activism. Ever since reading this, whenever I've encountered a hurdle, I've thought to myself, "What would Judy do?" Because I know she would figure out a way around it, over it or through it.

Read this book.

Read it. That’s it. That’s my review. You need to know about important piece of history. You need to know what it is to be human. We have so much work left to do. May we honor your memory, Judy, by continuing to fight.