Today's book recommendation for Women's History Month is "Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist" by Judith Heumann (2020).
Born in 1947, Heumann contracted polio as a toddler, and used a wheelchair for most of her life. As a child, she was refused admittance to public school, because her wheelchair was deemed a "fire hazard". Her mother challenged this injustice, and fought for her daughter's right to equal educational opportunity. As a result, Heumann entered public high school in 1961.
While attending college, she began organizing rallies with other students, insisting on such accommodations as wheelchair ramps and the right to live in dorms.
In 1970, Heumann sued the New York City Board of Education for refusing her a teaching license because of her disability. The Board of Education settled the suit, and she became the first wheelchair user to teach in New York City.
Heumann went on to become a leader in the Disability Rights movement. She founded Disabled in Action, an organization focused on securing the protection of people with disabilities under civil rights laws. She led political protests and helped push for legislation for disability rights.
This book looks at the life and legacy of a woman who made a difference in the lives of so many people. It's especially important to recall her work now, when disabilily rights are again under threat.
Link to book:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/621090/being-heumann-by-judith-heumann-with-kristen-joiner/paperback/