A review by kindredspiritreads
Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist by Judith Heumann, Kristen Joiner

emotional hopeful informative inspiring

5.0

 This powerful memoir covers the life and activism of Judith Heumann who became a quadriplegic after a bout of polio as a young child. She played an integral role in mobilizing other disability activists and getting the Americans with Disabilities Act passed in 1990, among many other achievements.

I absolutely loved this book! Judith’s indomitable spirit shines through as she recounts her years of activism alongside many other courageous individuals and the milestones they were able to achieve for people with disabilities. From a sit-in at a federal building in San Francisco in the late seventies to her position in the Obama administration in the 2010s, she gives great insight into what it takes to be an activist, how to mobilize and unite other activists, and the power of the collective. I highlighted several memorable quotes that have stuck with me since reading this book and I highly recommend it!