New film Being Heumann sheds light on disability history : NPR

Key Points:

• The new film Being Heumann, directed by Oscar-winner Sian Heder, highlights Judy Heumann's pivotal role in the disability rights movement, focusing on her leadership in the 1977 sit-in that enforced Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a precursor to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• The 1977 sit-in, led by Heumann and Kitty Cone, was the longest occupation of a federal building in U.S. history and successfully pressured the government to implement regulations against disability discrimination, paving the way for accessible public institutions.
• Members of the current disability rights generation, including activists from Judy's League, see the film as both a reminder of past victories and a call to action amid ongoing threats, such as recent legal rulings that undermine Section 504 protections.
• The activists interviewed emphasized the enduring relevance of the movement's early struggles, noting that societal attitudes toward disability and discrimination persist, and that technological advances have not fully eradicated barriers.
• Heumann's legacy is credited with fostering independence and normalcy for people with disabilities today, inspiring ongoing activism to protect and expand civil rights in the face of renewed challenges.