Being Heumann

By Judith Heumann, Kristen Joiner,

Book cover of Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist

Book description

A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year for Nonfiction

"...an essential and engaging look at recent disability history."— Buzzfeed

One of the most influential disability rights activists in US history tells her personal story of fighting for the right to receive an education, have a job, and just be…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Being Heumann as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I’d finally watched the documentary Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, which featured Judy Heumann, and wanted to know more about her life and activism. She had this infectious charm that made me want to be a disability rights activist alongside her and her friends, and when I found she’d written a memoir, I had to read it.

In describing her life’s path and tenaciousness in taking on powerful institutions, she lays out a roadmap for others who need to fight for human rights like those of trans people. 

This is a must-read for anyone who has ever needed accommodations or has used a subway escalator, ramp, or subtitles. Heumann is an often bitingly funny advocate for the rights of the disabled (including firmly putting The Daily Show host Trevor Noah in his place during a 2020 interview). Along with other disabled people, Heumann helped shape and lead a movement that has transformed life for millions of disabled people around the world. That includes many who become disabled either temporarily or permanently because of age or accident. Along with this book, watched the Oscar-nominated Crip Camp, which features…

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