Judith Heumann
Judy Heumann | |
|---|---|
Heumann in 2014 | |
| Special Advisor for International Disability Rights | |
| In office June 7, 2010 – January 20, 2017 | |
| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Position established |
| Succeeded by | Sara Minkara (2021) |
| Assistant Secretary of Education for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services | |
| In office June 1993 – January 20, 2001 | |
| President | Bill Clinton |
| Preceded by | Robert Davila |
| Succeeded by | Robert Pasternack |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 18, 1947 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | March 4, 2023 (aged 75) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Jorge Pineda (m. 1992) |
| Education | |
Judith Ellen "Judy" Heumann (/ˈhjuːmən/; December 18, 1947 – March 4, 2023) was an American disability rights activist, known as the "Mother of the Disability Rights Movement". She was recognized internationally as a leader in the disability community. Heumann was a lifelong civil rights advocate for people with disabilities. Her work with governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), nonprofits, and various other disability interest groups significantly contributed to the development of human rights legislation and policies benefiting children and adults with disabilities. Through her work in the World Bank and the State Department, Heumann led the mainstreaming of disability rights into international development. Her contributions extended the international reach of the independent living movement.