Learn-at-Lunch: Disability and Health Professions – A Conversation with Judy Heumann

This is an excellent opportunity for Judy to meet with students who are passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Offered to health professions students in medicine, dentistry, and nursing who belong to student affinity groups, including chronic illness and health equity groups. Audience participation will help guide the conversation, so come prepared to talk with Judy and explore your experiences, concerns, and how the healthcare workforce can be reshaped through policy and advocacy.

Her memoir, “Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist” co-authored by Kristen Joiner, was published in 2020. She is also featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary, “Crip Camp : A Disability Revolution“, directed by James LeBrecht and Nicole Newnham. Judy produces a podcast called “The Heumann Perspective“, which features a variety of members from the disability community.

Judy serves on a number of nonprofit boards, including the American Association of People with Disabilities, the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, Humanity and Inclusion and Human Rights Watch. She has 20 years of nonprofit experience working with various disability organizations, including being a founding member of the Berkeley Center for Independent Living. Prior to starting the Judith Heumann LLC, she served in the Clinton and Obama administrations.

Her research efforts are concentrated on advocating for medically underserved and low-income Black and Latinx families of children with developmental disabilities and ensuring that they have access to resources needed to achieve optimal health. Cherisse is also a Teaching Apprentice and Graduate Student Researcher, participating in IDD research with her advisor, Dr. Lauren Clark, Professor and Shapiro Family Endowed Chair for Developmental Disability Studies at UCLA.