SDCCD: Virtual Event Recap: Beyond Accommodation With Judy Huemann

Coronado CA

25 April, 2022

5:41 AM

Description

Press release from San Diego Community College District: April 22, 2022 "I decided decades ago I was going to talk about things that I knew people didn't want to talk about." This was just one of many powerful statements from lifelong disability rights advocate Judy Huemann, who spoke on March 8 via Zoom to an audience of over 100 guests as part of a collaborative effort with the San Diego Community College District and Southwestern College. Huemann, whose story is prominently featured on the Netflix documentary Crip Camp, was instrumental in the fight to establish federal protections for folks with disabilities in the 1970s and continues to champion inclusion and accessibility for all. In the talk, Huemann addressed the ongoing work of the disability rights movement, citing the recent Payan vs. LACCD case, whereby nationwide efforts were made across disability justice and higher education communities to successfully beat back a potential Supreme Court appeal that threatened to undermine hard-fought federal disability rights and civil rights in general. Huemann also called for an expansion of the movement that would enable folks with visible and invisible disabilities to be respected and included in all aspects of society, as well as at every intersection of identity, noting as an example, "I need to be able to feel that I can be authentic as a woman in the Jewish community." She also touched on the importance of broadening legislative protections, acquiring funding, and improving technology. "Too many things are hit and miss," she said. "We have the voices of the 60 million disabled people in the US," continued Huemann. "If we had five million who felt empowered to be able to work on continuing to strengthen our communities - so that having a disability would be a natural, normal part of life and not seen as something to be afraid of or shy away from." Jamila DeCarli, WorkAbility III Coordinator and Chair of the San Diego Community College District's Committee on Community, Inclusion, and Diversity, shared her thoughts on the importance of connecting notable leaders like Huemann to new generations of current and potential activists. "Prior to Crip Camp, the only people who knew of Judy Huemann were people in the White House and people in the disabled community who recognized her efforts in demanding legislation which was pivotal for people with disabilities," said DeCarli. "The disabled community is the largest minority group, yet one of the most disregarded. In order for today's movement to continue toward disability justice and equity, it is important to understand the history of the movement and those who fought and sacrificed along the way." As for higher education's role in advocating for students, faculty, and staff with disabilities, Huemann advised that institutions should solicit and incorporate their suggestions and apply a "disability lens" to every aspect of college life, from the admissions office, to the online and in-person classroom, to the working world, and within the community at large. Taking the conversation beyond accommodation, she emphasized the importance of "making people realize that having a disability is something which is valued on your college campus." According to DeCarli, the District Committee for Community, Inclusion and Diversity is committed to and excited about this work. As chair of the committee, she is focused on sharing trainings and events that elevate the discussions around disability, year-round. "Our committee is also involved in providing feedback on accessibility (and a host of other areas, including anti-racism and support for the LGBTQIA community) for our District's upcoming Strategic Plan and Cultural Climate Survey, and by sharing our efforts to the Board of Trustees," she said. Special thanks to Judy Huemann for joining us for such an inspiring discussion. If you missed the talk, you can catch the replay here. And be sure to check out the DSPS website for more resources and events! California Community Colleges Vision for Success Judy Heumann Website This press release was produced by San Diego Community College District. The views expressed here are the author's own.