Judith Heumann tells her story of growing up paralyzed after having polio. Early discrimination led to obstacles accessing education and eventually required a court challenge to get a teaching position. Judith learned from her parents to push back, speak up, and fight for equitable treatment. This activism went beyond her own life to change things for everyone in the disability community. National protests around Section 504 and the ADA have changed accessibility in our country. I first encountered Heumann's work in the documentary, Crip Camp. The book was so compelling and a quick read. ( )

A memoir centered on the true story of the fight for Civil Rights for disabled people. Very historically based, but also well adapted for a young audience.

Judith Heumann is a compelling writer. Her fight to be recognized as a human being is intensely inspiring, and her eloquent and straightforward descriptions of what it is like to be a person with a disability day-to-day opens a door for understanding. I particularly appreciate how she highlights that we are all either people who need accommodation, or we are one illness or accident away from becoming someone who needs accommodation. The need for accessibility affects all of us, and creating a more accessible world improves the world for all of us.

This story centers on the occupation of the Federal Building in San Francisco to pressure the signing of regulation 504, but then continues to walk through some of the major legislation that followed that action, and into contemporary World politics. The book moves quickly, but explains itself well as it goes along. What a treasure, to hear this story from Heumann herself.

Advanced Readers' Copy Provided by Edelweiss.
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