RCM - Revitalizing Community Membership: Empowering Independence

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

The Better Together Reception for the Quality Trust!

We had a great time! It was an incredible event with great food and conversation, all in honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

Watch Rachel Maddow Highlights: March 6

An excellent tribute to Ms. Judy Heumann

Video

Sunday, March 5, 2023

Screening of From Lives Apart to Lives Together Was Held This Week

An important screening of From Lives Apart to Lives Together was held this week. Many critical voices from those who experienced time at Forest Haven were shown. This is a work in progress and a history we should not ignore. Thanks to all who participated.

Activist Judy Heumann led a reimagining of what it means to be disabled

It’s impossible to say enough words to accurately describe the impact of Judy Heumann. She was a pioneer, a leader, a trailblazer, an icon, and so much more. Her leadership and activism changed the lives of so many. There are truly no words to express the impact of her loss. May the mother of disability rights movement rest in power. #JudithHeumann #judyheumann

Judy Heumann was the first person I called when, in 1987, I reported my first story on disability rights. Judy, who contracted polio when she was 18 months old, gave me the quote that perfectly summed up that little-known civil rights movement.

"Disability only becomes a tragedy when society fails to provide the things we need to lead our lives — job opportunities or barrier-free buildings, for example," she said. "It is not a tragedy to me that I'm living in a wheelchair."

That idea seemed so unexpected and strange that my editors at a newsmagazine decided not to publish my story.

To read more on this story, click here: Activist Judy Heumann led a reimagining of what it means to be disabled

Judith “Judy” Heumann, Widely Regarded as “The Mother” of the Disability Rights Movement—Passed Away

Judith “Judy” Heumann—widely regarded as “the mother” of the disability rights movement—passed away in Washington, D.C. on the afternoon of March 4, 2023. Judy was at the forefront of major disability rights demonstrations, helped spearhead the passage of disability rights legislation, founded national and international disability advocacy organizations, held senior federal government positions, co-authored her memoir, Being Heumann, and its Young Adult version, Rolling Warrior, and was featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary film, Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution.

To read the full press release on Judy’s website, click HERE

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Congratulations! DSP Academy Graduates!

Congratulations are in order for the latest cohort of DSP Academy graduates! So proud of this exceptional group of people who are so passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. 🎉 #dspacademy