Physical Disability & Accommodations/Architectural Barriers

In 1970, Judith "Judy" Heumann first drew national attention with her fight to become a New York City teacher. She founded Disabled in Action and sucessfully sued the New York Board of Education to become a teacher. Her case was the first disabled rights case brought to federal court and she is the first disabled teacher in a wheelchair to ever teach in New York City.

The prevailing viewpoint among individuals, both within and outside government spheres, concerning their interactions with people with disabilities, is that the issue lies with the disabled individuals themselves. Within society, there exist standards by which physical appearance and intellectual capabilities are assessed. These standards stem from widely accepted beliefs, making them challenging to change within the span of an individual's lifetime. As a result, the burden falls upon the disabled person to conform and accommodate these unchanging societal norms. 

Nevertheless, Disability Rights activists and communities persist in their efforts to secure accessibility and equal opportunities in public domains. Figures like Judith "Judy" Heumann exemplify the determination and resilience of physically disabled individuals, advocating for equal opportunities akin to those without physical disabilities. Their endeavors highlight the ongoing push for inclusivity within society.