Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist

by Judith Heumann

“When they are signed, the regulations for Section 504 will be an historic and monumental first step toward knocking down the walls that stop us, people with disabilities, from being full and equal participants in society. “For the past few years”—I choked up, paused and looked down; the crowd was utterly silent—“we have played by the rules.” I took a breath, trying to get ahold of myself. “We created the American Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities. We attended meetings in Washington, commented on drafts, and spoke with institutions all over the country. We were told Jimmy Carter’s administration would sign the regulations, unchanged. We believed him. “Now Secretary Califano is dragging his feet. We have no reason to trust him. We are here to say enough is enough. “For too long, we have believed that if we played by the rules and did what we were told, we would be included in the American Dream. “We have waited too long, made too many compromises, and been too patient. “We will no longer be patient. There will be no more compromise. “We will accept no more discrimination.”