FIGHTING FOR YES!

An account of Judith Heumann’s fight for equal rights for herself and others with disabilities.

As a child in the early 1950s, Judy loved books. But the principal of the first school her mother signed her up for declared her and her wheelchair a “fire hazard,” and the Jewish Day School’s principal refused her even after she learned Hebrew. When she was finally permitted to attend public school in fourth grade, the segregated disabled students “weren’t expected to learn much of anything at all.” Faced with prejudiced attitudes and inaccessible spaces, Judy “heard the word NO much too often” growing up. But after winning a legal battle against the New York City Board of Education to become a teacher, Judy joined disabled friends in advocating for disability rights. She and fellow activists petitioned the government to pass Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act—to ensure sidewalk ramps and bus lifts were installed and to make sure that buildings were wheelchair accessible—and finally, in 1977, after nationwide demonstrations, including a grueling 24-day sit-in at a San Francisco federal building, they succeeded. Cocca-Leffler’s straightforward text relates Judy’s challenges and triumphs, while Mildenberger’s muted illustrations adequately if somewhat blurrily convey Judy’s sadness, determination, and joy. An author’s note provides more information on Heumann as well as background on Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, and a note from Heumann asks, “How will you start fighting for YES?” Judy presents White; background figures are racially diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Uplifting and stirring.