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 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.

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.