Being Heumann Review
· design
The Radical Power of Disability Rights Activism
The disability rights movement has long been a powerful force for social change, with a history full of inspiring stories of courage and determination. A pivotal moment in American civil rights history was the 504 sit-in, which took place in 1977 at the San Francisco office of the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. This moment is now the subject of a new film, “Being Heumann,” directed by Siân Heder.
While “Being Heumann” may not offer any new insights for those familiar with the 504 sit-in’s story – as told in the Oscar-nominated documentary Crip Camp – it is a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of accessibility. By casting actors with disabilities to play the roles of activists, Heder and co-writer Rebekah Taussig bring authenticity to the film that is rare in mainstream cinema.
One of the most striking aspects of “Being Heumann” is its portrayal of Judy Heumann, who refused to be intimidated even when faced with adversity. As played by Ruth Madeley, Judy is a complex figure – equal parts fierce advocate and flawed human being. The film’s depiction of her relationships with fellow activists adds depth and nuance to the story.
The 504 sit-in was not just a one-off event; it was part of a larger movement that has been ongoing for decades. This movement includes the Independent Living Movement of the 1970s, which continues to this day. Despite many victories along the way, there is still much work to be done in the fight for disability rights.
“Being Heumann” explores the intersection between disability and activism, showing how people with disabilities are not just passive recipients of benefits and services – they are also powerful agents of change who can drive social movements forward. The film’s portrayal of this intersection is particularly striking in its depiction of Judy Heumann’s relationships with fellow activists.
The Trump administration’s efforts to weaken protections for people with disabilities only add to the timeliness of Heder’s film. As the country continues to grapple with issues of inequality and access, “Being Heumann” serves as an important reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of prioritizing accessibility.
In many ways, “Being Heumann” is a call to action – a reminder that the fight for disability rights is far from over. As we continue to grapple with issues of inequality and access, it’s more important than ever to prioritize accessibility and support the work of disability activists.
Reader Views
- TSThe Studio Desk · editorial
The 504 sit-in was a pivotal moment in American disability rights history, and "Being Heumann" brings this story into focus with a refreshingly authentic cast of actors with disabilities. However, what's striking is how little attention has been paid to the role of non-disabled allies who supported and enabled these activists. The film glosses over the tension between disabled leadership and able-bodied participation, which remains an important consideration for building effective social movements today.
- TDTheo D. · type designer
The Being Heumann film highlights Judy's unyielding spirit in the face of bureaucratic resistance, but let's not forget that this fight for accessibility was also enabled by the efforts of design and architecture professionals who recognized the value of inclusive public spaces. The Independent Living Movement's emphasis on self-advocacy is crucial, but so too are universal design principles that make everyday environments navigable for people with varying abilities. We need to integrate these perspectives into our social justice narrative, rather than treating disability rights as a separate issue.
- NFNoa F. · graphic designer
One criticism of mainstream films like Being Heumann is that they often tokenize disability rather than centering the voices and perspectives of disabled individuals. While Heder's film attempts to rectify this by casting actors with disabilities, it's worth noting that representation is only a step towards true inclusion. What's missing from the conversation is how the disability rights movement can be mobilized in everyday contexts, beyond historic sit-ins and high-profile protests. How do we translate collective action into tangible policy changes at the local level?