Happy Women’s History month. This month is a time where we celebrate all of the women who have worked to make the world a better place and defy female stereotypes.
The DD Ombuds is celebrating National Women’s History Month this year by highlighting 2 women in disability history.
Judy Heumann
As a disabled woman, Judy has faced prejudice her entire life. At 5 she was not allowed to attend her public school because she and her wheelchair were seen as a fire hazard. Judy dedicates her entire life to advocate for herself and others in the disability community so everyone can live in an equitable society.
Judy Heumann is one of the most prominent Disability Advocates in the country. In 1977 Judy was integral in leading the Section 504 sit in and in the passing of the Americans with Disability Act in 1990.
She was also the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services in the Department of Education during the Clinton Administration. From 2010 – 2017, she was the first Special Advisor for International Disability Rights at the U.S. Department of State.
As an advocate Judy has made the world a much more inclusive place by making sure that legislation includes and positively impacts people with disabilities.
Kayla McKeon
Kayla McKeon is the first registered lobbyist with Down Syndrome and is also the Manager of Grassroots Advocacy with the National Down Syndrome Society.
Kayla works with Senators and Representatives to ensure that people with disabilities have the same rights as able bodied people. She currently is advocating to end subminimum wage.
Like Judy, Kayla has been breaking down barriers by being a powerhouse on Capitol Hill, a place that is currently dominated by able-bodied men.