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I think we often see disability differently because society has been taught to focus on what people can’t do instead of what they can do. Many people grow up with limited understanding or exposure to disability, so they may see it as something unusual or negative instead of as a natural part of being human. Judy’s question challenges that mindset by reminding us that disability is just one aspect of human diversity. People with disabilities experience the same emotions, dreams, and challenges as everyone else, but society has built barriers that make disability seem separate. We see it differently because of stigma, lack of representation, and the way systems are designed for only certain types of bodies and minds. Judy’s story shows that when we remove those barriers and value accessibility and inclusion, we start to see disability not as a limitation, but as a part of the full human experience.

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Elyse Blackwell:

A democracy is a system of government where power comes from the people, and everyone has the right to have their voice heard and be treated equally under the law. It’s built on the idea that citizens can help make decisions, hold leaders accountable, and work together to shape society. When democracy doesn’t represent all people equally, like when people with disabilities are excluded from public spaces, education, or government decisions, it means that not everyone has the same opportunity to participate, which goes against the purpose of democracy itself. In Being Heumann, Judy and the other activists show what it means to take responsibility as citizens in a democracy. They spoke out against unfair treatment, protested the government’s failure to enforce Section 504, and stayed committed even when it was hard, such as during the 504 Sit-In and hunger strike. Their actions reflected the true spirit of democracy, ordinary people demanding equality and accountability from those in power. In my own community, I see people showing these same responsibilities through volunteering, voting, attending local meetings, and standing up for issues like accessibility and inclusion. Judy suggests that individuals and small groups can create a more just and democratic society by organizing, staying persistent, and refusing to stay silent when they see injustice. She shows that real change starts when people believe their voices matter and work together to make sure democracy includes everyone.

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People with disabilities have been historically marginalized because of learned prejudices and behavior. People are not born with this judgment, but are instead taught what is "normal," and people with disabilities are not considered "normal." There is a perpetuation of stereotypes that people with disabilities are seen as weak, needing help, and are even pitied. Recognizing that people with disabilities are fully capable and determined individuals with unique skills and perspectives is a critical step to breaking the stereotype of their perceived dependence. Seeing that all individuals are treated with respect and are included is are important step in developing a more inclusive mindset and society.

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The common pushback against structural changes for accessibility rights was that it would be "too expensive, unsafe, or impossible." Many people thought it was not a justifiable use of public money, time, and resources because they have not experienced life with disabilities everyday. Activities and allies used empathy and personal statements to appeal to the members of the justice system. Heumann and other disability activists shifted the focus of their argument to target the necessity of equity for people with disabilities. Equity of access was an essential argument for disability rights activists and remains an issue today. Treating everyone the same is not the same as equity because true inclusion will allow people with disabilities to contribute to society and create an equal playing field. Equity of access is embodied through inclusive forethought in all areas of life: accessibility accommodations for flyers, food options, social media, sports events, and travel settings. Going the extra step to provide accommodations and inclusive practices in every decision that involves others is the most important method of approaching equity of act.

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I think that society has been shaped with ableist ideas for so long that even though we have come such a long way, there are still biases that exist today. Society has unfortunately seen that disabilities are a limitation or that they are an issue that can be fixed rather than as a normal part of human diversity. Another reason why people see disability differently is because people often become uncomfortable with vulnerability or difference. I think that it is important to shift the societal idea that being able-bodied is the "normal" way, to recognizing that disability isn't separate from being human but part of being human.

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161.a. Judy showed what it means to do “whatever it took” throughout her entire fight for disability rights. For example, the 504 Sit-In, where she and dozens of other activists refused to leave a federal building until the government signed the regulations that would enforce Section 504. She wasn’t just making noise and unwarranted chaos; she was organizing, negotiating, and pushing through serious discomfort and health risks. She even reached out to allies in the community to help support the protest with food and resources that allowed them to keep moving forward. Judy never backed down from doing the hard, uncomfortable things if it meant moving disability rights forward in spite of the risk that impacted her health and well-being.

161.b. If  I were to put myself in Judy's shoes, I would imagine she would be feeling a lot of pressure, frustration, and would feel determined to speak up against powerful institutions, even though she was aware that that would come with a cost. She risked being dismissed, labeled as “too demanding,” or even losing opportunities during her fight. However, I feel like she understood that staying silent wasn’t an option for her. She knew that every time she questioned authority or pushed back, she wasn’t just speaking for herself. In addition, she said on behalf of thousands of people who didn’t have the platform or the support to do it.  No matter the negative aspects she faced, she knew she had everything to gain: equality, dignity, and a future where disabled people didn’t have to fight for basic rights. She was and always will be comfortable with the choice and actions she took.

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I think we see disability differently as a direct impact of what we have been taught, not always directly, but in subtle ways. Society tends to treat disability as something unfortunate, something to pity, or something that needs to be fixed. It becomes a label that defines what someone can’t do instead of recognizing who they are and what their abilities and contributions can be. Even with laws like the ADA in place, we still have mindsets that treat disability as something outside the norm, something that needs to be accommodated rather than just naturally included. Part of this may come from fear or discomfort; people are afraid of what they don’t understand, or they’re worried they’ll say the wrong thing, so they avoid the topic entirely. But Judy’s question challenges that. If we truly believe we are all human, then disability shouldn't separate us; it should just be another part of human diversity, like race, gender, or culture. Until we start changing how we think, not just how we act, society is going to keep seeing disability as a crisis, something that needs immediate fixing, instead of shifting our mindset to see it as a natural part of the human experience. As I have seen, and so many others have seen with disabilities.

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Judy Heumann's identity as a woman with disabilities most definitely shaped her experience as a civil rights leader. She not only faced discrimination based on having a disability but also gender biases of women in leadership roles. From her quote on page 128, she describes how women in leadership walk a line between being seen as strong and being seen as unlikeable. Unfortunately, this is a common bias that women still face, especially in leadership positions. She touches on this bias on page 140 where she asks the question of whether or not they would have been seen as confrontational if they were men. Both individuals with disabilities and women face unfair biases, and Judy had to face the biases of both.

As a woman, I have had to face assumptions and bias about my gender in many aspects of everyday life. Society expects women to stay in a place of being agreeable and non confrontational which makes it hard to take on leadership roles without being called "difficult" or "bossy." When people make these assumptions of me based on my gender, I don't let those assumptions change me. I believe that I can be both a strong and compassionate person, and that confidence and leadership are not traits exclusive to men.

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People did not want changes such as ramps, lifts, and captioning because they thought it would cost to much and was unnecessaryfor most people. Activists organized protests, sit-ins, and media coverage, showing that fair access is a right, not a privilege. “Equity of access” means giving people what they need to fully participate, not treating everyone exactly the same. If equity were the goal, schools, transportation, businesses, and online spaces would be designed from the start to include everyone removing barriers instead of expecting people to adapt to them.

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I think people see disability differntly becuase it is something not readily understood. Since it is something the average person doesnt understand, it is easier to avoid. As a people, historically we seperate ourselves from what is different and we seek comfort in what we know.

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I think that we perceive people with disabilities as different because of how we often perceive new and different, for example new experiences, different environments, etc. New and different often makes people anxious, nervous, or uncomfortable. So when we see someone who looks different then we may be used to or is not viewed as "normal" those same feelings present for us.

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The most common complaint when it came to making structural changes to public spaces to make them more accessible for people with disabilities was that they were to expensive and that people with disabilities did not want or need to use public transportation or other public entities. However, when a cost comparison was done, the cost of adding a new AC and wheel chair ramp to a public bus were about the same. Heumann also began to use public transportation herself to show that people with disabilities do need the same resources as those without disabilities. They became experts on engineering and the financial aspects of providing so that they could bring forth legitimate arguments to developers. Equity of access is about ensuring that the accommodations and modifications are put in place (ie. close captioning, interpreters, ramps, etc.) so that everyone has equal access to public entities whether it be for pleasure, work, or need.

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From the beginning of the book, Judy credited her upbringing and the parenting she received as her motivation. Watching her mother advocate for her as a young child to be able to go to school empowered her to be the confident activist that literally changed society. I was impressed by her ability to navigate socially and discern where she needed help- such as her roommate situations when she first left home/went to college. Having to hire or negotiate assistance at her young age was so progressive and exemplifies her determination. I cannot imagine having that strength and determination at that age. Judy knew that had she been born into a different family in a different age that she would be a different person altogether.

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I believe we see disability as different because it makes us uncomfortable to be 'different.' I also believe that we have been socialized for sameness and, often, to not go against the norm. When faced with those that have no choice to be typical, we are uncomfortable. Perhaps there's a guilty feeling that we must suppress, as in 'why did Judy succumb to Polio and not me' and we use that discomfort to separate ourselves. Human nature is to often alienate or discourage what we do not understand, and most often, it is very hard to imagine or relate to what it must be like to be disabled. Therefore, it is easier to marginalize what we do not understand or feel comfortable around.

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The most common arguments against structural changes were that they were “too expensive, unsafe, or impossible.” Often, when the financial costs were analyzed for an accessibility project, the costs were comparable to typical updates and would be offset by the increased participation and use (such as wheelchair accessible buses). The greatest resistance was actually the lack of understanding of the experiences of a person with disabilities; therefore, one of the most effective strategies for pursuing changes in accessibility was helping people understand the daily experiences of those with disabilities. This helps people to understand how equity means that everyone has what they need to access. While I may be able to live independently in a house with stairs and without help moving myself around, that is not the case for some in wheelchairs. However, they are fully capable of independent living when provided necessary support. If Judy and I were given the same house, she may not be able to live independently. If equity of access were the goal, then people with disabilities would be able to participate more fully in our society and be more visible and active members of society. In school, all students would be able to make progress and develop the necessary skills to be successful after high school. In public transportation, all people would be able to travel freely. If all places of business were accessible, then people with disabilities would be able to live more independently since they would have access to stores, restaurants, libraries, community centers, and services. 

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In my experience, disability is highly stigmatized in our society. Our society seems to value “individualism” and “independence” and people with disabilities are seen as the antithesis to these values since, on the surface, it appears that people with disabilities are inherently dependent on others. In addition to this devaluing by society, disability has been a hidden aspect of our society for a very long time. People with disabilities were hidden away in residential facilities, kept at home, and educated in separate classrooms and this has had a very profound impact on how people with disabilities are viewed today. This divide starts early as students with disabilities are often educated in separate classrooms. Limited accessibility means that people with disabilities are not present in public places; limited employment opportunities means that people with disabilities struggle with economic stability which can further isolate them from society. There are so many structures in society that exist to keep people with disabilities separate - even today with IDEA and ADA. As a teacher, I have seen neurotypical students struggle greatly to interact with students with disabilities - particularly students with physical disabilities, intellectual impairments, and autism; these neurotypical students have reported being “scared” and “uncomfortable” around these students with disabilities. While it hurts my heart to hear students say this, it reinforces my conviction that inclusion to the greatest extent possible is best not just for our students with disabilities but also for our neurotypical students. It helps to create connections and promotes greater understanding, compassion, and comfort between students and can start chipping away at the divide that exists in our society.

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I think this can be a challenging question for many of us because it asks us to reflect on our own biases and preconceived notions. As a special educator with eight years of experience supporting hundreds of students with disabilities, I do not categorize myself in the group she is referring to. However, that was not always the case. When I was younger, I was never sure how to respond, often times staring or not engaging. The question then becomes: why? Before laws and policies advocating for individuals with disabilities were established, this population was often institutionalized or denied access to education, or even just to the general public. This early history painted a picture that individuals with disabilities were “less than” and should not be seen or heard. Even after laws and policies were implemented, there was little guidance on recognizing these individuals whose needs, communication, and behaviors may simply different, as humans first. People naturally feel uncomfortable in unfamiliar situations, and until the last two to three decades, individuals with visible disabilities were often perceived as unfamiliar. Still, to this day, individuals with disabilities and those that support them are advocating for them to be seen as more than a label.

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I think more parents need to instill strong values like Judy’s parents did—teaching kids to do whatever it takes and to stand up for what’s right. Judy really showed this throughout her life. One example that stood out to me was when she was denied her teaching license just because she used a wheelchair. She could’ve accepted it and moved on, but instead, she organized protests and used her experience to push for bigger change. That moment really showed her strength and determination. You could tell she was frustrated but also steady and focused on what needed to be done. She knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but she also knew it was necessary if progress was ever going to happen. Every time she spoke up, she risked being judged or ignored, but instead, she showed incredible courage. Her persistence not only helped her achieve her own goals but opened doors for so many others too.

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I feel there are several reasons disabilities are viewed as different from other aspects of being human. One reason is perhaps due to the physical traits that manifest or the limited physical skills observed. Our society is fixated on appearance and our standards for acceptance are very much based on physical appearance. Some individuals with disabilities have a set of very unique needs and “we” are unsure how to react with these encounters. Historical bias, systemic discrimination and exclusion have perpetrated why disability is viewed so differently. Many of these beliefs unfortunately continue to be constructed by society.

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Judy’s identity as a woman most certainly shaped her experiences as a civil rights leader. As a woman with a disability during this time period, she experienced discrimination due to both of these factors. This intersectionality (even though Judy was often disregarded by the larger women’s movement) enhanced her activism and further powered her refusal to be silenced. When I was younger, I was often silent and complied with the status quo especially in male dominated arenas. With age and knowledge, I am far more confident and vocal when it comes to issues of injustice. I am now able to embrace my role as a female despite bias.

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In Chapter 9, Judy demonstrated her commitment to “doing whatever it took” during her leadership in the 1977 section 504 sit in. Judy was able to organize, strategize, and pushed forward even though she faced resistance from the government. Judy used political wit and action to demand that the regulations be signed into law and enforced. As well, Judy was often in a position where she had to speak up, and during these times she had to be both determined and vulnerable in her advocacy. She had to make difficult choices between staying silent or pushing for systemic changes, knowing that she could get backlash or political resistance. Through her advocacy, Judy helped millions of individuals with disabilities gain greater legal protections. Judy’s persistence despite risk, reflects what she has learned throughout her childhood, to question authority and fight for justice.

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The question Judy Heumann poses, “We are all human. Why do we see disability differently from any other aspect of being human?”, shows the shift in societal perceptions of disability over time and how it has been shaped by history, culture, and systemic barriers. Individuals with disabilities have often been seen through a deficit based lens, where the focus is on what they cannot do versus viewing the disability as a part of diversity. As well, disabilities can occur at any point in a person’s life, which often can cause discomfort and avoidance from others, this leads to a society that is not inclusive but instead separates. Throughout the book, Judy helps her readers see that it isn’t a disability in and of itself that is the issue, but it is instead the attitudes and structures that create exclusion. Disability must be reframed as a human rights and equity issue if we are to see it as an essential part of the overall human experience.

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One of the best examples of when Judy did “whatever it took” is the 504 sit-in in San Francisco.  She and the other activists stayed in the federal building for weeks, despite uncomfortable and unsafe conditions.  She also worked with unexpected allies, such as the Black Panthers who brought food, demonstrating willingness to use every resource available.  She took risks when she felt she needed to question authority or speak up, knowing that she may be dismissed or lose credibility.  She kept speaking up because gaining civil rights protections for people with disabilities mattered more than the risks.

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I think we see disability differently because people often think of it as something “wrong” rather than just part of human diversity.  Society tends to focus on what someone can’t do instead of their strengths, and it can make people uncomfortable because it challenges what we think of as “normal.” Judy’s question reminds us that if we truly saw disability as just another part of being human, inclusion wouldn’t be about helping fit in, it would be about making spaces work for everyone.

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I think we see individuals with disabilities differently because of how society has taught us. People with disabilities were not welcome in schools, workplaces, or public spaces, and this exclusion has shaped how we think. Rather than seeing disabilities as a natural part of being human, many people still view it as something that is wrong and needs to be "fixed.”  I also believe a lot of it comes down to people being uncomfortable. People will say they don't know how to act around someone that has a disability so in return they either avoid the topic or make assumptions.

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Conversations regarding access changes centered around three things: cost, disruption, and sense of need. Those who thought it wasteful of public resources to include costly design features (for example, ramps, elevators, bus lifts, and attendant captioning or interpreters) spoke out clearly. Many people stated that accessing buildings, buses, and other public spaces was challenging enough as to make it impossible or too complicated to arrange and implement. Others had beliefs that people with disabilities should live in institutions, their families should care for them, or they should attend special schools rather than be included with people who were not disabled. Judy Heumann and the other activists mobilized with perseverance, organizational strategy, and clear moral simplicity; in fact, within the activist community, they began to utilize their own personal narratives to illustrate the impact of a lack of access or course on real lives. Support from organizations helped sustain the protests, supplies and maintain visibility. Heumann and the activists framed their discourse to utilize justice as a method of reframing the engagement on the topic of equity. To treat everyone the same is to lack regard for variability in people's needs and circumstances. The equity of access is an equitable opportunity for all to access participation, sometimes, but not always, with varying degrees of support. If equity of access were truly the goal, then systems and environments would be designed with inclusion at the outset. Classrooms would demonstrate built-in and universal design for learning in lessons and activities. Public transportation would be wheelchair accessible with trustworthy lifts, ramps, and audio and visual announcements, and would for sure employ knowledgeable staff. Spaces would meet and exceed ADA criteria and be designed to be comfortable and usable from the outset for people of all abilities.

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Not only in Chapter 9, but all through her life, Judy stood up for herself so that she was able to not only advocate for herself to get what she needed, but also, she stood up for others in her advocacy work. She was not afraid to ask for help, even when it was difficult for her to ask. She also did the same in her activist work when she was not afraid to do whatever it took, including risking her freedom. It took incredible courage for her to stand up for herself and others with disability. I am sure that she felt scared, nervous, and sometimes even angry that she had to "do whatever it took". At times, she even felt frustration, as she described several times throughout the book. She faced choices of making a stand even when she faced arrest. Not many of us have the same adherence to our convictions that even the possibility of legal ramifications would not dissuade us from making the hard choices!

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Societal norms play a huge role in how we perceive others. Prior to being "taught" these norms, children of all ability levels, races, ethnicities can be seen playing and interacting together with no clear boundaries or expectations. My own son (4), who has a cousin (7) who has cochlear implants and primarily uses ASL to communicate, has always completely accepted and treated his cousin the same way he treats others. He has never even asked about the "differences" that most others would clearly see. He simply makes adjustments naturally to how he responds and interacts with his cousin. They understand each other and interact appropriately. This is not to say my son is perfect! It is just a daily example of how children can guide us in how we accept others no matter what. The question is, how do we make sure that we are "child-like" in how we respect, interact with, and include all people. I know that societal demands increase and change as children age, but it gives me hope that we can, as humans, be accepting, inclusive, and treat all with respect.

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This book was truly enlightening because it made me reflect on my childhood experiences. Even though I did not have a disability, I still felt different because of the language barrier I faced as a child of immigrant parents. That difference left me feeling isolated, and unlike, Judy, I did not have parents who could advocate for me in school.

The most valuable idea in the memoir is the importance of having an advocate who is willing to fight for you. Judy story showed me how powerful advocacy can be in making sure a child's voice is heard. I find this valuable because I know how it feels to go without one, and I see the difference It can make when a child has someone standing up for them.

The scene that most resonates with me is when Judy had to go out by herself and many places did not have ramps. Those moments stood out because it reminded me of my own childhood, walking into school alone, not knowing the language and feeling completely out of place. Yet, like Judy, I was determined to keep going and learn. That determination shaped who I am today.

The question this memoir raises for me is: What happens to the children who do not have an advocate? My own experiences inspire me to step into that role for them. I want to help those students as much as possible, to make sure they are not overlooked and to be the advocate that I once needed myself.

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I believe society plays a huge role in how we see disabilities and why we see them differently. I know growing up I was always taught to find the similarities and differences between myself and others. I was also taught that it is ok to be different because if everyone was the same the world would be boring. In today's world society promotes it's idea of normal, but what is normal? Everyone's definition of normal is different. So many people see in my opinion the the "dis" in disability instead of seeing the "ability". Just because Judy was in a wheelchair, she did not let it stop her from becoming a teacher, civil rights activist, etc. She was able to do those things that she set her mind to she just had a little harder time convincing others she could and she had to find a way to do it that worked for her. If society would take the time to educate themselves and maybe even volunteer with others who are different I believe that we all might become a little more respectful and compassionate about each other.

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A democracy is a society in which the people elect their government officials. The people also need to find ways to hold the government accountable for what they do. If a democracy doesn't represent all people equally then is could show some weakness in the system, or show that some groups don't matter to the government as much as others. In a democracy, citizens have responsibilities. They need to show up to vote during elections, find ways to educate themselves on those that might be running for a government office. They can work together to hold fundraisers to help support different causes (Walk for Life, Autism, Diabetes, etc). In Being Heumann, Judy and others with disabilities took over government buildings across the country to protest until the government signed the regulations for 504. They worked together to make sure their voices were heard, which is one way that Judy suggests that small groups of citizen can help create a just and democratic society.

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Why do we see disability differently? We were taught to. I think for a majority of society, whether they want to admit it or not, they see disability as weakness. They think that we must alter the way we see people with disabilities because we don’t want to “hurt them more.” However, we don’t want to acknowledge that these differences are ok. People with disabilities are not people who need to be fixed. They are people. I also think disabilities have never been clearly defined to a lot of people. More people have disabilities than we think. Why do we “normalize” some but not others? Needing to wear glasses is technically a disability, yet we don’t treat people who wear glasses like they have a disability. I think this further dives into aesthetic norms for society, too. It comes from this notion that things have to look or be a certain way to be right. Even more, in the United States, we are so focused on individualism that I think we came up with this notion that people with disabilities need to be pitied because “how can they help themselves?” Or people just don’t feel like it’s their responsibility to create stronger systems to help promote equity for those with disabilities because it doesn’t pertain to them. We don’t have a collective outlook about disabilities as a whole.

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Judy’s identity as a woman with disabilities further shapes her experience as a civil rights leader. Women, especially in the 60s and 70s, were starting to gain a lot more freedoms. We wanted to fight back against how we were being treated. Judy’s identity in both of these communities definitely shaped how she communicated and advocated. She knew the importance of speaking up and showing up, especially since she was part of two underrepresented communities. It gave her more power and advocacy to stand up for her communities and the intersectional relationship they have. That’s why she had the drive she did. She knew they didn’t take women or people with disabilities seriously. She knew how easy it was to be written off. She wasn’t going to stand for that. I think she was also able to successfully leverage both of these communities' support because she made a point to share that she was part of these communities and called out the assumptions that they face. Sometimes it just takes one person to speak up to make others feel comfortable enough to share, too. I have long been a supporter of Judy because of her activism, and I think it has inspired me a lot. When people make assumptions about my gender identity and race, I will respond. I do not sit silently and let people make judgments or assume I agree with them. I challenge them every single time. I am proud to be a woman who is part Asian. I am proud of my community. I use their assumptions as a learning lesson for them, but sometimes myself too. I do reflect on their comments because it helps me create stronger explanations. It helps me see how people process that information. However, I stand up for myself and my identity.

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In the final chapter, Judy's question really speaks to me: "why do we see disability differently from any other aspect of being human?" I think part of the answer is in the way society has created fixed idea of what "normal" looks like. From an early age, we are taught to notice differences and without even realizing it , we judge and make assumptions about what those differences mean.

As a child of immigrant parents who did not speak English, I experienced firsthand how being "different" can make you stand out in ways that are not always positive. I remember the isolation and stigma that came with being viewed as different.

I believe we see disability differently because of stereotypes and cultural norms that define disability in narrow terms. Instead of embracing human diversity, society often labels differences as deficits. Judy's question challenges that mindset. if we can shift our perspective, we can see disability as one of many ways of being human, just as natural and valuable as any other human being.

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This book was truly enlightening for me. I look forward to incorporating it into a staff PLC.

a. The most valuable idea in Judy’s memoir is the emphasis on redefining disability not as a deficit but as a natural and valuable part of human diversity. This perspective challenges societal stereotypes and calls for greater inclusion and respect. I find this valuable because it shifts the conversation from pity or limitation to empowerment and belonging, which is crucial for building a more just society.

b. The scene that resonates most with me is when Judy describes her personal experiences navigating everyday spaces that are not designed for accessibility. This resonates because it highlights the subtle but persistent barriers people with disabilities face, many of which go unnoticed by those without disabilities. Judy’s vivid storytelling makes the reader feel the frustration and resilience involved, which deepens empathy and awareness.

c. The memoir raises the question: How can society better design environments, policies, and attitudes to fully include people with disabilities as equals? To seek answers, I would explore resources from disability advocacy organizations, academic research on universal design and inclusive education, and listen to more voices from the disability community to understand their lived experiences and solutions.

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Judy’s question invites deep reflection on how society views disability. My response is that disability is often seen differently because it challenges common ideas about "normal" bodies and abilities. Many cultures and societies have historically viewed disability through lenses of limitation, pity, or difference, rather than as a natural and diverse part of human experience.

We might see disability differently because it highlights vulnerabilities and dependence that make some people uncomfortable or uncertain about how to relate. Additionally, social structures and environments are often designed for able-bodied people, which can marginalize those with disabilities and reinforce the idea that disability is "other."

Ultimately, disability is just one of many human variations. Recognizing it as such can promote inclusion, respect, and understanding, helping society see all people as equally valuable regardless of ability.

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For many personal reasons I became aware of the need to increase my awareness of gender issues in my world. As a cis gender male I am frequently reminded of some of the privileges I am granted based solely on this and other superficial traits. While I believe many strides have been obtained I also see evidence lately that progress can be reversed and if not fought for certain rights can be taken from us. As a woman with a disability especially in her young adult hood Judy faced incredible and tragic discrimination. Competence was never assumed by most males who she encountered as well as other woman without disability. I would argue that ignorance and hate are far more tragic than any difference in sightedness or mobility. I love being a nurturing person in education as a male. I hope that other male identifying individuals especially young men can see me being kind and compassionate and know that these are valuable ways to approach challenges.

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I loved this book. The courage and tenacity that Judy's mother especially demonstrated in her persistence to access education for her daughter obviously lead to a legacy that Judy embraced. I think for me it was inspirational how ordinary individuals who are not born into a level of access and power are able to shape policy and force healthy change for all. Civil rights are good for everyone. Disability advocacy is good for everyone. It enriches are society and communities. I have been involved in the past with supporting adaptive rock climbing programs and one goal I have is to do more of this and continue to identify barriers that keep a broader range of individuals from enjoying these experiences.

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In Chapter 6: “Occupation Army,” Judy and a few others went on a hunger strike to protest actions taken against the disability rights activists and their allies in Washington, D.C. Judy explains, “We wanted to make the point that withholding food and supplies from a group of peaceful demonstrators goes against the spirit of democracy. A true democracy values the ability of citizens to hold the government accountable.” (106) a. How would you define a democracy? What does it mean when democracy doesn’t represent all people equally? b. What are the responsibilities of citizens in a democracy? Where do you see evidence in Being Heumann of citizens upholding these responsibilities? How do citizens uphold responsibilities in your community? c. What is one way that Judy suggests individuals and small groups of citizens can create a just and democratic society?

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Consider your key takeaways from Judy’s memoir: a. In your opinion, what is the most valuable idea in the memoir? Why do you find it valuable? b. What scene from the memoir most resonates with you, perhaps because of an aspect of your identity, your experiences in the world, or the way that Judy crafts the scene? What makes you say that? c. What question does the memoir raise for you? Where might you go to seek answers to your question?

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In Chapter 9: “The Reckoning,” Judy reflects on the different messages she received from her parents during her childhood: “I’d been taught to do whatever it took to get my point across, to question authority, to stand up for myself.” (161) a. Where do you see Judy doing “whatever it took” in her work as a disability rights activist? b. How did she feel in the moments when she had to convey her point of view, question authority, or stand up for herself? What choices did she face? What did she stand to gain, risk, or lose in those moments?

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In the final chapter of her memoir, Judy poses this question to readers: “We are all human. Why do we see disability differently from any other aspect of being human?” (202). What is your response to Judy’s question? Why might we see disability differently?

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In Chapter 9: “The Reckoning,” Judy shares the challenges that the disability rights activists and allies faced to ensure that the structural changes guaranteed by Section 504 were implemented. When reflecting on these challenges, she observes: “Part of the problem is that we tend to think that equality is about treating everyone the same, when it’s not. It’s about fairness. It’s about equity of access.” (153) a. What arguments were people making against structural changes, such as ramps, bus lifts, and captioning, that were guaranteed by Section 504? b. What strategies did the activists and allies use to counter the opposition’s arguments? c. How is “equity of access” different from “treating everyone the same”? d. What would it look like if equity of access were the goal? Think about school, public transportation, social media platforms, and places of business to help you get started.

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In Chapter 6: At different points in her memoir, Judy reflects on the challenge that women in leadership positions face in this country. For example, she notes: “As a woman, I knew I walked a fine line between being seen as ‘strong’ and being seen as ‘unlikeable.’” (128). Later, after being accused by protesters on the East Coast of being too confrontational, Judy asks, “Would we [the mostly all-female West Coast leadership team] have been considered too confrontational and unwilling to compromise if we were men?” (140) a. How does Judy’s identity as a woman with disabilities shape her experience as a civil rights leader? b. How do you respond to assumptions people make about your gender identity or other aspects of your identity? To what extent do you embrace or reflect them? To what extent do you challenge or reject them?