Omg, I am so sad to hear this news. I saw this morning that she was in the hospital and posted something on her FB page that we love her and get well soon. Bobby Silverstein earlier, now Judy. This is the year I guess. I have few words
right now but here goes….
Judy was such an inspiration to so many people. I got the chance to meet her over two decades ago when I was working for our SILC as the director and we became fast friends, both her and her husband Jorge. I had the grandest time one NCIL
dance in DC dancing with Judy. We had such a ball. For a stretch there I would have dinner once a year with her and Jorge at their home, which often included so many other disability advocates from around the world. It was always fun and her and Jorge were
the best hosts. She challenged me a lot, made me see some things differently many times and I am a better person because of her.
You will be missed my friend. Rest in peace. We love you forever.
Patrick Reinhart
Executive Director
Governor’s Council on Disabilities and Special Education
550 West 7th Ave, Suite 1230
Anchorage, AK 99501
907-269-8999 desk
907-301-0728 Cell
From: xxxxxx@nacdd.simplelists.com <xxxxxx@nacdd.simplelists.com>
On Behalf Of Donna Meltzer
Sent: Saturday, March 4, 2023 1:16 PM
To: 'xxxxxx@nacdd.simplelists.com' <xxxxxx@nacdd.simplelists.com>
Subject: DD Councils With Deep Sadness I Share of the Passing of Judy Heumann
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It is with great sadness that I share that our friend and colleague Judy Heumann, disability advocate, activist, and leader passed away
this
afternoon following a brief illness. As you may know, she lived her life with passion and purpose. An extraordinary woman, she fought for civil rights for herself and all people with disabilities. Judy was incredibly well known as a top leader in the
disability community and was also very active in the Washington, DC area Jewish community where she was involved in inclusion efforts for people with disabilities in Jewish life as well as in all religious and faith communities. It is Jewish tradition to honor
someone by holding memories close and keeping their legacy moving forward. I hope you will join me in the traditional Jewish saying “May her memory always be for a blessing.” We will share additional details about her funeral and memorial service in the coming
days.
Judy was special to all of us at NACDD as she was engaged in our activities and worked closely in many venues with our staff team. I first met Judy when we lobbied on the Hill together for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Erin
and I occasionally had lunch with Judy and friends to pick her brain and bend her ear on the big issues of the day. Judy and I frequently worked together on faith inclusion rights in our Jewish community. She will be greatly missed.
If you have not seen the film Crip Camp, do so this weekend in Judy’s memory, or pick up her book Being Heumann – An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist and gain inspiration and healing.
Best,
Donna