Judy Heumann, often hailed as the "Mother of the Disability Rights Movement," was a transformative leader whose advocacy shaped landmark civil rights legislation including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Known for leading the historic 26-day 504 sit-in in San Francisco, she later served in both the Clinton and Obama administrations and co-founded the World Institute on Disability. Beyond her policy achievements, Heumann is remembered for her commitment to "nothing about us, without us," her mentorship of future leaders, and her ability to weave her identity as a disabled Jewish woman into a "roadmap" for religious and societal inclusion. Even three years after her passing in 2023, her legacy continues to empower the disability community to challenge ableism and demand equitable treatment in all facets of life.

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