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*** This episode contains archive reports from the 1970s that use language that reflects the period in which they were made and may now be considered offensive. *** Judy Heumann spent her life challenging assumptions about what disabled people could achieve. At the age of 22 in 1970, she was the first wheelchair user to work as a teacher in New York, before becoming one of America's most influential disability rights activists. In April 1977, Judy helped organise the longest occupation of a federal building in US history, a sit-in that would last 25 days. She was demanding enforcement of Section 504, a landmark civil rights law. The protest led to regulations that made it illegal to discriminate against disabled people in many areas. Those regulations paved the way for further victories. Judy died in 2023, but her story continues to inspire people around the world. Her life and legacy have now been brought to the screen in the film, Being Heumann. Judy shared her story with Outlook's Emily Webb in 2020. (Photo: Black and white photo of US disability rights activist Judy Heumann speaking at a microphone from her wheelchair in the 1970s, while campaigning for Section 504. She is wearing glasses and a winter jacket with a badge saying 'Sign 504'. She has short straight hair in a bob with her fringe swept to the side. Credit: Getty Images) Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com or WhatsApp +44 330 678 2707 Producer: Fiona Woods
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