Disability advocacy is not just about laws—it is about empathy, courage, and the power to inspire change. For Justin Dart Jr. and Judith “Judy” Heumann, two pioneers in the disability rights movement, leadership meant shifting attitudes, fostering inclusion, and giving people with disabilities a voice in shaping the future (Gostin, 2015).
During National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), their legacies remind us that inclusion is not just a goal but a shared responsibility. Real progress takes more than compliance—it requires dismantling systemic barriers and fostering spaces where people feel valued and respected.
The Origins of Two Disability Rights Champions
Though their personal journeys were shaped by distinct experiences, both Justin Dart Jr. and Judy Heumann ultimately shared the same mission: to eliminate discrimination and foster inclusion.
Justin Dart Jr. was born into a wealthy family with political connections, giving him access to an elite education and abundant opportunities. After contracting polio at the age of 18, however, he discovered that privilege could not shield him from discrimination. When he pursued a teaching career, he was denied a license simply because he used a wheelchair (Lewis & Wolf, 2018). This experience became a turning point in his life, awakening his passion for systemic change.
Judy Heumann’s commitment to advocacy took root in her early childhood. Growing up in Brooklyn, she was barred from attending public school because her wheelchair was deemed a “fire hazard” (Bagenstos, 2020). These initial experiences of exclusion ignited her passion for civil rights. What began as frustration with unjust treatment evolved into a lifelong mission to dismantle barriers and champion equal opportunities for everyone.
From Policy to Action: Dart and Heumann’s Legacy
Justin Dart Jr.: Father of the ADA
Justin Dart Jr. believed that effective policy reform must be grounded in real experiences. His “Road to Freedom” tour took him across the United States, where he gathered stories from people with disabilities about the challenges they faced. These stories became the foundation for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), passed in 1990 (Reid, 1999). For Justin Dart, the ADA was more than a law—it was a promise of equality that needed to be protected and expanded over time.
In addition to his work on the ADA, Justin Dart Jr. co-founded the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) to keep disability rights at the forefront of the national agenda (Lewis & Wolf, 2018). His mantra, “Lead on,” continues to inspire ongoing advocacy and progress.
Judy Heumann: Mother of Disability Rights
Judy Heumann advanced her advocacy through legal battles and organized protests. An early notable achievement was her lawsuit against the New York Board of Education, which had denied her a teaching position due to her disability. This legal case established an important precedent for the employment of individuals with disabilities, reflecting her commitment to equal opportunities (Heumann, 2020).
In 1977, she led the San Francisco sit-in to demand the enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The 26-day occupation of a federal building became the longest in U.S. history and marked a pivotal moment for disability rights (Lewis & Wolf, 2018).
Heumann’s influence also extended into cultural spaces. Her participation in the documentary Crip Camp introduced her story to new audiences, inspiring younger generations to push for change.
Disability Rights as Human Rights
Although Judy Heumann and Justin Dart took different paths, they both believed the same core truth: disability rights are human rights. They emphasized that inclusion isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential.
They also knew that passing laws alone would not create lasting change. Real progress takes more than policy; it takes a shift in how communities think and act. True inclusion means everyone is welcomed, valued, and able to contribute meaningfully. Their vision shows that stronger, more connected communities start with supporting people with disabilities.
Employment: The Next Challenge
Even with milestones like the ADA, employment remains a challenge for people with disabilities. Discrimination, inaccessible hiring practices, and a lack of accommodations create barriers that prevent access to meaningful jobs. The solution lies in going beyond legal compliance to foster inclusive environments where individuals can truly succeed.
Inclusion means more than just being physically present—it requires thoughtful design in both workplaces and culture to meet diverse needs. Concepts like Universal Design ensure that systems, processes, and spaces are accessible from the start, rather than needing adjustments later. This allows employees to participate fully, without being defined by their disabilities, reducing frustration and enhancing productivity.
Leadership is also key. Companies must go deeper than surface-level initiatives to ensure lasting inclusion. Justin Dart’s vision of inclusive employment lives on through AAPD’s work, which promotes equitable hiring practices and holds companies accountable (Heumann, 2020). Heumann’s legacy is also evident in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which aims to expand employment opportunities for workers with disabilities (Bagenstos, 2020).
Employment is about more than earning a paycheck—it’s about dignity, purpose, and a sense of belonging. Leaders like Justin Dart and Judy Heumann understood that true equality means creating opportunities for everyone to participate fully in the workforce and beyond.
Carrying the Legacy Forward
The legacies of Justin Dart Jr. and Judy Heumann offer a blueprint for building inclusive workplaces and broader communities where everyone is respected and empowered to succeed. Their leadership shows that inclusion goes beyond legal compliance—it is about creating environments where people can contribute meaningfully and feel valued.
Justin Dart’s call to “Lead on” reflects that progress requires continuous effort, while Judy Heumann’s lifelong fight for justice demonstrates the importance of challenging exclusion at every level. Honoring their work means leading with empathy, removing barriers, and ensuring real opportunities for everyone.
While laws are essential, empathy, thoughtful design, and collective action drive lasting progress. Moving forward requires commitment from leaders and employees alike to ensure everyone has the opportunity to belong and succeed.
References
- Bagenstos, S. R. (2020). Disability rights and the discourse of justice. SMU Law Review Forum, 73(26).
- Fleischer, D. Z., & Zames, F. (2011). The disability rights movement: From charity to confrontation. Temple University Press.
- Gostin, L. O. (2015). The Americans with Disabilities Act at 25: The highest expression of American values. JAMA, 313(22), 2231–2235.
- Heumann, J. (2020). Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist. Beacon Press.
- Lewis, V., & Wolf, S. (2018). Activating the past: Performing disability rights in the classroom. Journal of Literary & Cultural Disability Studies, 12, 185–201.
- McKnight, P. D. (2023). Faculty knowledge, beliefs, and willingness to provide ADA accommodations. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses.
- Reid, C. (1999). Justin Dart, Jr. In Enabling Lives (1st ed., p. 22). Routledge.
- Zhang, D., Landmark, L. J., Reber, A., Hsu, H. Y., Kwok, O. M., & Benz, M. R. (2010). University faculty knowledge, beliefs, and practices in providing reasonable accommodations. Remedial and Special Education, 31(4), 276-286.
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