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